Notes from November

Little paws

Dear me. Another little pause. No reason really except stuff happens. You know how it is. Shall we recap from the start of the month assisted by various hashtags? OK, let's.

#Organisations you never knew existed but having encountered them, are glad they do

I speak of the Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators [APPCA] who met in early November for their regional Conference in Nadi, Fiji this year and requested a bit of theological input about Restorative Justice which I was pleased and humbled to try and give. Thanks to Commander Keane who heads up correctional [prison] services in Fiji for the kind invitation. It was a huge get together bringing together APCCA members from the Australian Capital Territory (Australia), New South Wales (Australia), Northern Territory (Australia), Queensland (Australia), South Australia (Australia), Tasmania (Australia), Victoria (Australia), Western Australia (Australia), Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, China, Hong Kong (China), Macao (China), Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga and Vietnam. There were presentations and interaction on issues of child protection, human rights and the rehabilitation of sexual offenders among other topics: common themes across the region. I spoke about the role of faith and theological understanding as a resource for those in rehabilitation, and the need to teach wisely and do justice to our religious texts from the world faiths. There had a been a landmark court case in Fiji which I blogged about some while back in which the Gospel of John had been terribly abused by a misguided Pastor to appalling ends. So, we thought a bit about 'restorative justice' for our sacred texts. Although I was only at the event for one day, it was a great education to hear from key speakers and to sense a tremendous appreciation for this gathering from those who attended. 'APPCA is family', it was said. 'We go away from this conference feeling supported and with energies renewed through our conversations on the issues that we all deal with day by day.' All power to APPCA and thanks again for the invitation to be with you.

#Organisations you did indeed know existed and have often given thanks for.

In this instance, the Bible Society. Hurrah! And in particular the Bible Society of the South Pacific [BSSP] celebrating their jubilee, 1967-2017. My thanks again for the kind invitation from General Secretary Mr Solomon Duru to lead some sessions at their regional workshop on [a] the relevance of the Word of God in a globalised world and how churches and BSSP can respond effectively and [b] Ministry effectiveness in a globalised world. Globalisation is an ever present hot topic here: how to uphold traditional 'Pacificness' and yet recognise the slow creep of modernisation. It's not always a sinister creep though. Much was made at the workshop about how being able to have the Bible on your smartphone app has increased accessibility phenomenally across the South Pacific, especially among young people. It's true. When Cyclone Winston hit, the phone in your pocket was far more likely to survive than your printed Bible. Sadly, some may say...

Here's an interesting timeline of BSSP's life and mission.

So God Bless and prosper BSSP we pray and great to have shared in the ongoing work just a little. 

..and of course, there was cake!

#EndOfAcademicYear - marginally more frenzied than the EndOfTime...

So then from roughly 11th Nov through to now - 26th - it's been full on end of year events and graduation which everyone gets involved in 101%. Starts with long Faculty meeting, final grades and all that jazz. Then a College Christmas service [12th Nov, but never mind...] and then all the graduation week events. The College Council - governing body which meets once ever two years - were also here so we all stood to attention and scrubbed up.

A few pics with a smattering of explanation will probably convey some of it all as well as can be expected. But if you do the Facebook thing, head to PTC's Institute of Mission and Research page and scroll down because they took the best piccies, frankly. But here's a few to be going on with.

Here's the PTC Faculty - official 2017 photo. Print out & hang up for darts practice?

Student procession into graduation headed by Dr Faafetai Aiava - 2017 PhD 
Graduate, and his wife Luse. Now that's a great moment!

Three wonderful souls who'd studied by Extension were able to graduate at the PTC ceremony, alongside those who've studied residentially. Flying the flag for lay theological education via distance learning. Oh yes! We invited Mr Mostyn Manetavua [third from the left] over from the Solomon Islands as our special guest and were thrilled that he graciously agreed to come. An Anglican catechist from the Diocese of Guadacanal, he's slogged out his Certificate in Theological Studies over the years, as has Mrs Vikatoria Nabuka from a little way outside Suva, standing next to Mostyn. Next to her is Mr Kafi Manoa from Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu who earned his Certificate in 2014 and now has the Diploma three years on having worked phenomenally hard. 

On the left? Mr Nitesh Raj who's just joined us as Learning Systems Manager and Nisha, PTCEE's faithful administrator. And here I am below with Mostyn, bathing in his reflected glory! Happy days - God be praised.

Wall to wall feasting during this period, or so it seemed.  Dealing with root ginger and green beans. My contributions to food prep, serving and clearing up miniscule compared to the work of our Students' association and Women's Fellowship. Basically, no-one sleeps for a week...

The indefatigable PTC Youth Group entertain the crowds - and indeed themselves... 

Families journey from all over the Pacific to celebrate with loved ones: here's the PhD celebrity with his Mum and assorted others!

And we have to say fond farewells of course. Aww.... Here I am with Fr Anthony Ling and Elizabeth who'll return to Vanuatu. Fr Anthony earned his MTh and they've been such good friends and neighbours to me on campus. 

Plus - added bonus - their daughter Tonia has been helping us out on a casual basis in the office and Nisha and I will really miss her! We're convinced God has great things in store for you back on the island, Tonia and we thank you for all your help to us.

Pastor Billy Wetewea from the Protestant Church of Kanaky in New Caledonia earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree. The only student from New Caledonia, standing proudly for the Kanak people and their ongoing struggles for independence from the French, he had 32 supporters from family and friends who'd flown over especially for the occasion. Very moving.

And here's what the graduates look like en bloc. A sea of blueness and beauty...

...and the residential student community 2017. Ta da!

#AndWhat'sThePoint?

Lord we lift your name on high. We're so glad to sing your praises. May all that hard work bear tremendous fruit across these islands and into the wider world, for the sake of the Kingdom.

Amen and amen.