Sitting in Dry Season Bible School I have a feeling of nostalgia. Our second month here in the village of Pèdè, two years ago, was spent at Bible School. Our predecessor, Grace, was teaching, with Pastor Samuel. We were encouraged to see that we understood words here and there, and could follow to some extent if we knew which Bible passage was being talked about. Two years on, it is reassuring to see that instead of understanding about 10%, we probably understand over 70% (though it is hard to evaluate exactly!). And of course Marc is even teaching, which really is an achievement!
As I sit on the concrete bench in the open air (we are under an open-sided kind of hut, with some more students under a nearby mango tree) I certainly know I'm in Africa. It sounds clichéd, but there really are sheep wandering around, lizards scurrying by, and the sound of yams being pounded. The atmosphere is good – the students (a good cross-section of the men of the church, plus some of the younger women and one older lady) are attentive, at least until the end of the morning when the heat intensifies. They ask questions, and tease each other in a friendly manner. There was some chuckling yesterday when one of the students asked, “But why did God rest on the seventh day? Surely He wasn't tired!”
I can't get to the start of Bible School each day, as I have to wait for the pastor's wife to get here to look after the boys. But in fact this works out well, as I then go to the office for an hour or so to do some Hebrew revision and prepare some training exercises for our newest translator, then go down to Bible School during their break, and attend the two sessions before lunch. While it is a positive sign that I understand 70% or so (and nearly 100% when my husband is teaching!), it does mean I still have progress to make, and listening to the teaching does stretch me.
We are thankful for prayer for all the teachers and participants of Dry Season Bible School. It is quite a big sacrifice to give up so much time and energy, especially at a hot time of year. May all be rewarded by a greater understanding of God's Word and a closer walk with Him. (It will be running until March 23rd.)
This is actually a photo from 2 years ago, but nothing much has changed...
As I sit on the concrete bench in the open air (we are under an open-sided kind of hut, with some more students under a nearby mango tree) I certainly know I'm in Africa. It sounds clichéd, but there really are sheep wandering around, lizards scurrying by, and the sound of yams being pounded. The atmosphere is good – the students (a good cross-section of the men of the church, plus some of the younger women and one older lady) are attentive, at least until the end of the morning when the heat intensifies. They ask questions, and tease each other in a friendly manner. There was some chuckling yesterday when one of the students asked, “But why did God rest on the seventh day? Surely He wasn't tired!”
I can't get to the start of Bible School each day, as I have to wait for the pastor's wife to get here to look after the boys. But in fact this works out well, as I then go to the office for an hour or so to do some Hebrew revision and prepare some training exercises for our newest translator, then go down to Bible School during their break, and attend the two sessions before lunch. While it is a positive sign that I understand 70% or so (and nearly 100% when my husband is teaching!), it does mean I still have progress to make, and listening to the teaching does stretch me.
We are thankful for prayer for all the teachers and participants of Dry Season Bible School. It is quite a big sacrifice to give up so much time and energy, especially at a hot time of year. May all be rewarded by a greater understanding of God's Word and a closer walk with Him. (It will be running until March 23rd.)
This is actually a photo from 2 years ago, but nothing much has changed...
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