I’ve been quite busy lately, so I haven’t been posting. I’m still busy, but I’m needing a break. This week I have 6 hours of new course prep for mission history: 500 years on Africa in 90 minutes, 500 years on Asia in 90 minutes, and 500 years in Asia, but I get 3 hours for all of Asia.
So my days have been full with memories of my church history prof at Fuller Seminary. Charlie later became a mentor, while his wife, Pam mentored me in biblical Hebrew. Today, I taught both Hebrew and mission history, but not nearly as polished as I’d like this first time through regarding the latter (Hebrew will always leave me humble as a life-long student, and it is more complex teaching it to Swedish speakers. Pam, there is no Hebrew-Swedish lexicon!).
I integrated Charlie’s use of primary source documents to supplement the textbook readings. However, as students are not native English speakers and some are less comfortable in English, I haven’t quite figured out how to optimize them yet. So, a couple I just read with a couple guided questions for discussion.
I think my theme for today was “be wary of reductionism.” Oversimplified characterizations of denominations, movements, people, and such are often dangerous. I think, inspired by Charlie, I was able to graciously challenge some presuppositions in a way that encouraged pondering more authentically on a few key issues. For example, I had the privilege of introducing the class to Bishop Romero, a martyr for the people suffering injustice in El Salvador. From clips of a biopic, his life helped some think differently of views of liberation that are not simply Marxist ideology, but rather connected to Jesus’ holistic ministry.
So, most of my weekend was preparing for these lessons. New course preparations are time consuming. However, I did go to Stockholm with Anya for Sunday worship. While I was away, she visited an international church that is part of a collaboration between the Mission Covenant, Evangelical Free, and some other flavor. She’s been there a couple times, and has started to get to know some people. One guy is from Mexico and doesn’t speak Swedish or really any English, so Anya with her fluency in Spanish is a good one for him to talk with and to help engage him in our conversation through some translation.
Last Wednesday evening, I was invited to the Bible school’s pre-Nobel dinner. I even wore a dress. While I usually wear skirts in Africa, I don’t like wearing skirts or dresses, but I did for the students. They didn’t realize that was the first time in probably 10 years I wore a dress outside of Africa! I did look weird biking
The other festive highlight was on Dec. 2, when Anya and I went to Donna and Lennart’s home for their “Light Party.” Outdoor Christmas lights are not a big thing in Sweden, but American Donna has brought this tradition to her home. They gather about a dozen friends for a few hours of controlled chaos of stringing lights. They have a nice fika with homemade cheesecake, and after the last tradition of stringing lights from the flagpole, it is dinner time. However, I went of to the First of Advent concert at our church.
For Christmas music, I recommend this wonderful and worshipful instrumental piano music by Tim Oladeru.
So, off to 500 years of mission history in Asia!
With blessings,
Beth