Dear Friends,
Its been such along time since I last wrote. I have been back in Africa for a few months now and I will be sharing what I have been up to separetely.
One thing to bring to your attention, if you recall my first entery with a title where are the writters under Richard Halder, its with pleausure to let you know that Richard has managed to finish a Bangla Devotional. Its been a vision and drem which he didnt give up on.
Good job Richard Halder, may your energy and vision be an influence to future generations who read the Devotional
Meble
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
YCD Connections: Sacrifice
If you have been reading this blog since the beginning in June, you would recall the post on a team of young people I met my first week in Bangladesh. They are not Salvationists but are solid Christians and run trainings on Praise and Worship across Bangladesh.
At this time they are planning on a country wide camp and they will lead many young people to The Lords throne through worship and training on how to be intimate with our Lord Jesus Christ.
I had a chance to connect with them again during my last days in Bangladesh;joined in their rehearsals and their Saturday Trainings in Dhaka.
It was great catching up again and sharing our many adventures. The Sacrifice team is also young but highly gifted and talented. A small group that is changing the face of worship for many young people in Bangladesh, within and outside the Army including non-christian communities.
It was a blessing to meet them and they supported my time in Bangladesh as great friends. As part of the fellowship towards the end of the rehearsal on that day, they raised their hands and prayed for my trip back to Kenya, for Africa and the Mission I have been called to. They asked the Lord to favor me.
The Lord confirmed again that He is present in our lives, He doesn't send us where His presence isn't. The Lord is God.
Great times.....
YCD Connections: Messengers.
I had an opportunity to fellowship and spend two hours with a team of young people at one of TSA Corps in Dhaka. The team calls itself Messengers, they meet once a week, practice songs and talk together as youths who are called for singing for The Lord.
The team is divided in a way that; they have one leaders and divided responsibilities for programming, writing of the songs and leading the rehearsals. They are still young in their Ministry but determined to make it work. Two of the team-mates in the process Roni and Arnest are from that Corps.
These 'presence' connections are very important for young people, its part of the energy needed for keeping the motivation for youth responses and confirming appreciation for changes seen as influenced by young people's actions; - either through small choirs or drama groups or kids clubs. We need to encourage supporting our teams and groups by being present with them.
Training College Connection
It has been a privilege to visit the Training College, work with the Training Principle but also connect with Cadets while we were in the community as well as the SALT workshop process in Jessore ( there is a post on that process)
The Cadets are on 'out training' at the moment.
In this photo is Meble, Captain Milon and Richard.
21 February: Memorial day
On this day, thousands and thousands of citizens of Bangladesh stream to this area. They bring flowers and chant as they walk on the streets. They dont wear shoes on this day; and everyone brings flowers in rememberance of the blood that was shed as warriors fought for independence. Those who are unable to make it to the venue, make little flower fields around their houses.
Its an annual event and very significant to the people of Bangladesh.
The structures you see are images of a Mother with four children.
Visit to the Army complex
The complex has a school for blind children, intergrated with those who arent; a community school, TSA training College is on thesame complex too, and a rehabilitation home for young vulnerable girls who are brought to the home through their Corps.
Bangladesh
As part of my last day in the country, I had a chance to see several historical areas. Captain Dipu, Richard, Martha and myself spend a day learning and reflecting on the history of the country.
It was also a chance for me to see some of the work being done by TSA Bangladesh Command; also visited TSA Training College and spend quality time with the Training Principle Captain Milon.
It was also a chance for me to see some of the work being done by TSA Bangladesh Command; also visited TSA Training College and spend quality time with the Training Principle Captain Milon.
TimTam for my OZ friends...
Those who are not aware of the Timtams. They are a kind of chocolate biscuits, specifically associated with Australia. The fun part with the Timtams is that they are not eaten as you would eat biscuits....
How to eat them.....
First: You must have coffee, make it the way you like it. Take a Timtam from its box,
Second: Eat both ends of your TimTam leaving the middle chunk.
Third: Dip one end of your TimTam into the coffee holding it with your mouth; and suck the coffee through the TimTam as you would drink anything using a straw ( make sure your hands are behind your back)
Fourth: When you feel the moist of the coffee through the TimTam lift it up, hosting yourself as fast as you can; and swallow it whole....when you leave it too long in the coffee it might not go down well; for you and the coffee.
It could be a game to be used for competitions with young people, or a group of friends, especially when you are bored and hungry!
More Gifts...
As I prepared to head to the airport before leaving Bangaldesh, a few team-mates came over for a get-together. Roni, the CYO, his daughter and Richard.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Friendship.....
Arnest, Meble, Richard and Roni, we were all part of the CFT reflection meeting yesterday.
Kenyan Connection in Bangladesh...
I went to an International Church last Friday. As usual when you are a guest in many churches you are asked to introduce yourself. I introduced myself and when I said I am from Kenya, a lady and a young girl cheered for me. I was surprised but happy too - but again, God does this little cool things so I got over myself.
Cyndi Tilley, and her family, lived in Kenya for 8 years and have five children. One of them who is adopted from Kenya and very cute too. Their children are Mark, Zach, Nina, Emma and Rabecca. Tilley works very hard to home-school the children and her husband Chad is a pilot with Maf.
They invited some Kenyans over for a Kenyan night, and I was glad to join in the celebration. Good times....
Cyndi Tilley, and her family, lived in Kenya for 8 years and have five children. One of them who is adopted from Kenya and very cute too. Their children are Mark, Zach, Nina, Emma and Rabecca. Tilley works very hard to home-school the children and her husband Chad is a pilot with Maf.
They invited some Kenyans over for a Kenyan night, and I was glad to join in the celebration. Good times....
Transfer
The process begun in one area and its been transferred to many communities. Transfer was through, home visits, community conversations, community counselling YCD connections/Kids and youth clubs, community counselling, informal transfer from community to community e.t.c
CFT Reflection day...
Yesterday 21 July 2008, a team of 10 people gathered together to look at a few processes that have been taking place in the Command in the last two months.
The process have been, CFT ( Command Facilitation Teams) SALT visits, the work that has been happening in Satkhira, the SALT workshop and strategic planning for processes in the coming months.
As part of the reflection, the team took me out for lunch to a wonderful place and also presented me with a wonderful gift. Roni was jealous and wanted it. The fellowship was awesome and a few team-mates gave reflections and appreciation to my time here. I was encouraged, The Lord has been good.
The CFT is continually strengthening their response in influencing a way of working in the Command.
Thanks team.
The process have been, CFT ( Command Facilitation Teams) SALT visits, the work that has been happening in Satkhira, the SALT workshop and strategic planning for processes in the coming months.
As part of the reflection, the team took me out for lunch to a wonderful place and also presented me with a wonderful gift. Roni was jealous and wanted it. The fellowship was awesome and a few team-mates gave reflections and appreciation to my time here. I was encouraged, The Lord has been good.
The CFT is continually strengthening their response in influencing a way of working in the Command.
Thanks team.
Sythesis Document...
For those who will be interested in an overview document of the process, please feel free to request from Bangladesh Command as from 25 July 2008.
The documents, includes elements such as process outlines, thematic annalyses, overview of elements of FRONTIER process, country and team profiles e.t.c
The documents, includes elements such as process outlines, thematic annalyses, overview of elements of FRONTIER process, country and team profiles e.t.c
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Facilitation Team's roles...
When people see a person standing in front facilitationg, most of the time people think, oh! thats just normal, its eary. A facilitation team always spends time working through the concepts, going through process outlines and agree on methodology. A process has to fit with the flow otherwise you loose the focus of the participants.
After working through the process and methodologies and roles agreed; teams spend time preparing for their specific pieces and confirming with each other. It deosnt just happen, everyone works hard to prepare.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
SALT workshop
The team has been in a two and half day workshop on the SALT approach and behaviour of a Facilitation Team; but also an opportunity for them to interact with their Officers before they actually begin to share with their own team-mates, friends on what has transpired in the last month and half. It was a quick application of lessons learnt. Its been an inspiring time especially for me, to see the team feeling confident and facilitating the process.
The participants included Salvation Army Officers from different Corps in two Districts in the Command. Health workers from Salvation Army hospital who are also part of the Commanding Facilitation Team. Projects personnel's. Local Facilitation Teams from the community the team has been working in. The young people who have been living together for six weeks. Cadets from the Training College of TSA and the Training Principle e.t.c a great mix of participation to scale the understanding and application of Integrated Mission.
There were very deep reflections emerging from the participants; well as thoughts for application and restructuring ways of working in Corps and in the institutions.
The facilitation of the process was shared between the CFT and the team that had been immersed for six weeks in the community. There have been outstanding outcomes /reflections from the participants. The CFT also feeling strengthened now that there are more people with an understanding of the approach. People who also believe that there is strength in people and communities to respond.
For further details of outcomes of the process - a Trip report is available from TSA Bangaldesh Command.
The participants included Salvation Army Officers from different Corps in two Districts in the Command. Health workers from Salvation Army hospital who are also part of the Commanding Facilitation Team. Projects personnel's. Local Facilitation Teams from the community the team has been working in. The young people who have been living together for six weeks. Cadets from the Training College of TSA and the Training Principle e.t.c a great mix of participation to scale the understanding and application of Integrated Mission.
There were very deep reflections emerging from the participants; well as thoughts for application and restructuring ways of working in Corps and in the institutions.
The facilitation of the process was shared between the CFT and the team that had been immersed for six weeks in the community. There have been outstanding outcomes /reflections from the participants. The CFT also feeling strengthened now that there are more people with an understanding of the approach. People who also believe that there is strength in people and communities to respond.
For further details of outcomes of the process - a Trip report is available from TSA Bangaldesh Command.
Friends in the village...
Every community we have entered, there has always been some 'key' outstanding children who have connected with the team. This little boy spend an entire day with us, strangers he had never met.
Visit to Taposh home..
It was on 13 July when we visited Taposh home, his parents are wonderful. They fed us, we fished, some of us swam in the dam, and the older guys played board games and some of us also spent the time sleeping...
We had alot of food, from Taposh to sumis house, every house had prepared wonderful meals;
Taposh cooked Swan for us; its a special meal.
Thanks Taposh for a wonderful day....
We had alot of food, from Taposh to sumis house, every house had prepared wonderful meals;
Taposh cooked Swan for us; its a special meal.
Thanks Taposh for a wonderful day....
Saturday, July 12, 2008
In Jessore...
On our way to a home visit in Jessore...
We arrived in Jessore (nearest city) at around 16hr30 today. Some of the team-mates went to their houses, and some of us are living at TSA projects compound. As part of the evening, we found ourselves in home visits to some of our team-mates homes. We are in town for a couple of days.
We arrived in Jessore (nearest city) at around 16hr30 today. Some of the team-mates went to their houses, and some of us are living at TSA projects compound. As part of the evening, we found ourselves in home visits to some of our team-mates homes. We are in town for a couple of days.
India and Bangladesh Point....
You cross countries at this gate....
As you walk towards the gate for entering India, there are posts and signs of organizations that are responding to issues of Trafficking e.g USAID. It was the most simplest border I have ever seen but it meant alot for the team's application in response to the Trafficking concern...
Had a conversation with Arnest who is deeply concerned of the effects and problems that young Bangla women encounter when they are Trafficked to Arabian countries, he is still having personal conflicts on the root for the concern. He said...' The women need to be educated and aware, build confidence to know what they can do for themselves" He felt that there is alot of negligence, and lack of motivation even from the women themselves, hence allowing themselves to be vulnerable to Trafficking"
Rupa, Rimi and Sumi joined the conversation reflecting that; there are less women empowerment processes, and most of the women are under bondage to their husbands, and cannot make personal decisions, they say yes to trafficking, they say yes to early marriages and say yes to abuse...
Issue of early marriages are leading to "Trafficking" Taposh joined in; he said " I know of a girl who was married early, her husband run away and the parents re-married her again to a man who went away with her and sold her to prostitution, greed for money, and lack of morals are leading to the increase of this concern in the country"
Arnest thinks women have also to take the blame.....its a two sided foundation for this concern, and one part needs to make up their mind in order for this to stop.
that's why processes as this begin to stimulate thoughts for communities to realise their own strength for response. Even though it seems as an endless cycle, there are ways for change, and its possible; as communities build confidence and generate a vision for their own children.
As you walk towards the gate for entering India, there are posts and signs of organizations that are responding to issues of Trafficking e.g USAID. It was the most simplest border I have ever seen but it meant alot for the team's application in response to the Trafficking concern...
Had a conversation with Arnest who is deeply concerned of the effects and problems that young Bangla women encounter when they are Trafficked to Arabian countries, he is still having personal conflicts on the root for the concern. He said...' The women need to be educated and aware, build confidence to know what they can do for themselves" He felt that there is alot of negligence, and lack of motivation even from the women themselves, hence allowing themselves to be vulnerable to Trafficking"
Rupa, Rimi and Sumi joined the conversation reflecting that; there are less women empowerment processes, and most of the women are under bondage to their husbands, and cannot make personal decisions, they say yes to trafficking, they say yes to early marriages and say yes to abuse...
Issue of early marriages are leading to "Trafficking" Taposh joined in; he said " I know of a girl who was married early, her husband run away and the parents re-married her again to a man who went away with her and sold her to prostitution, greed for money, and lack of morals are leading to the increase of this concern in the country"
Arnest thinks women have also to take the blame.....its a two sided foundation for this concern, and one part needs to make up their mind in order for this to stop.
that's why processes as this begin to stimulate thoughts for communities to realise their own strength for response. Even though it seems as an endless cycle, there are ways for change, and its possible; as communities build confidence and generate a vision for their own children.
School without walls....
During the orientation, the team used a tool we have developed in Africa for YCD, called the ASYL self Assessment. It has five levels, five being the highest and one as the lowest. The elements for measurement range from Character development to Spiritual Life.
The team during the Orientation, measured themselves on those levels on where they were. The most learning ground was the local community where we did home visits, conversations and connected with Community counselling. That's where the Capacity was enhanced. The environment we immersed ourselves was our learning ground, " A SCHOOL WITHOUT WALLS"
At the debriefing process this week, we looked at the tool again, reflecting on where we were six weeks ago? where we are now? and open reflections on what has changed? what the diagrams mean? what strategies were used in mentoring and pulling each other during the process.
BEFORE THE SIX WEEKS....
The team was scattered and most of them on the lowest levels.
AFTER SIX WEEKS....
The team had streamlined and moved to higher levels - looks more organized than before.
The team during the Orientation, measured themselves on those levels on where they were. The most learning ground was the local community where we did home visits, conversations and connected with Community counselling. That's where the Capacity was enhanced. The environment we immersed ourselves was our learning ground, " A SCHOOL WITHOUT WALLS"
At the debriefing process this week, we looked at the tool again, reflecting on where we were six weeks ago? where we are now? and open reflections on what has changed? what the diagrams mean? what strategies were used in mentoring and pulling each other during the process.
BEFORE THE SIX WEEKS....
The team was scattered and most of them on the lowest levels.
AFTER SIX WEEKS....
The team had streamlined and moved to higher levels - looks more organized than before.
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