It is human nature to yearn for freedom, free from the shackles of one kind or another. Every year as we celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day with a patriotic spirit, we are reminded of the value of freedom.
This year we conducted a programme to drive home the message that “despite seventy years as an independent nation, we are still in the cage of drugs.”
It was a challenging and hectic third quarter, but God is good. In the three months, I taught two modules to our Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Theology (MTh) students and one module at the Kathmandu Institute of Theology. Teaching three modules was a fulfilling experience.
It is challenging to run programmes for the urban poor because the dole mindset has conditioned many to see themselves as mere recipients of donations and charitable activities with little hope of breaking out of the cycle of poverty.
Although the Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines has conducted a series of values and faith formation initiatives with parents, it is difficult to break the prevailing outlook of the community.
Kumar had twenty-eight students from thirteen countries in his "Introduction to Community Transformation" class at the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL). One of the requirements for the students was to participate in the Vision Conference seminar, which was originally initiated by Disciple Nations Alliance (DNA). The students, divided into seven groups, partnered with local churches and NGOs to equip in holistically bringing the transforming work of the gospel in their communities.
If we are patient to persevere, God is kind to let us see the fruit of our labour. This was made abundantly clear to us in our years of service in looking after displaced children at the hostel of St John’s College.