NUR workshop

Workshop is going very well. There are 20 participants, and they are chosen by their dean. Each College selected two professors, and they are from Teacher prep program, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Arts, etc. I am using the Center for Instructional Technology (CIT) lab. Every college has their own lab, and some are much better equipped than others. I teach in the mornings, and in the afternoon I meet different people on campus. I have 10 sessions, and I give different topic in each session. Today topic was on learning styles. Tomorrow I will talk about LMS and show itec 800 ilearn site. Most of the materials are new to them, and they are fascinated about everything I give them. I am so energized by their attitudes. There are two Russians who are teaching Physics, and one Indian prof who teaches Information Technology. There are quiet a few professors from South Africa. There are several guest lecturers from America. American Embassy give a party for us the other day. One prof from Boston University is teaching video editing class in the Journalism department, and a retired report from New York Times is here to give talk.

Everyone is little distracted here because of Gacaca (Genocide court). When I arrived for my seminar, I found out that some of Rwandese professors had to attend a meeting to discuss how they will carry out judgment. They have done the first phase which they have collected information on the accused, and now the second phase begins. Many people will go to jail. I feel there is tension in the air. The judgment will be carried out for one year, they want it to be quick.

Jean's writing

Here is Jean's writing about what we are doing during the first few days in Rwanda.

Greetings from Africa 7/10/2006
7/09/06 Chris & I attended Pastor Paul’s Assembly of God church for the Sunday morning service. They asked me to speak before Chris gave the message. Chris preached two services, one on trusting Christ & the other on implementing God’s word. They speak Kinyarwandra. I am starting to be able to sing some of their praise songs, most are like our tunes. A college choir sang several songs and did skits. Then a group of young people & college age youth sang, beat the African drum and several young women did a traditional dance to praise the Lord. An interpreter sat next to me and interpreted Pastor Paul’s message. He encouraged the people to put God’s word into actions. In the afternoon we went to the stadium to the “100 Days of Hope” gathering. In Rwanda, in the spring, they started having speakers from America every week Joyce Meyers was here in April. Pictures of her in Rwanda are on her website. This week-end, “Living Faith” a ministry from Portland, with 25 people, was here when we were there. Georgene Rice sang. There were hundreds of people there. Many people, mostly young people, went forward to receive the Lord after the message. Afterwards, we went to Pastor Paul’s home for dinner. We met his 81 year old mother and his 3 sons. His wife is in Belgium for her master’s degree in medicine. She wants to research AIDs. I sat outside in the courtyard with Paul’s mother to watch her and her helpers make a traditional African meal, cooked on three round small charcoal burners on the ground. The food was bought fresh from the market that day, even the live chickens.We had chips (fried potatoes), curried rice, carrots, peas, tomatoes, onions cooked together in one pot, chicken cooked in tomato sauce, green bananas cooked in a fruit sauce, and fresh sliced papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, and bananas for dessert. Before we left they gave us a small, very sweet fresh banana. All the food was bought fresh that day. 7/10/2006 At 3:45 am, country people, women and children, started to gather at the CASA house. At 5:30 am we started a prayer and praise for these people. They have to be in the fields working at daylight and so have to come very early. Robina, a young woman of 27, the director of the house, ministers to them every morning. They are dressed in traditional, brightly colored printed African country dress with a matching headdress. Most have babies tied to their backs. These are women who come to pray before they go to work in the fields and their children go to school. There were around 20 women and 20 children crowded in with us in the sitting room. Robina asked each of us from America to speak a word. I spoke a greeting from America, with an interpreter and encouraged them to trust God for their lives. From 9:30 until 12, I spoke to 15 Mamas (older women). I gave my testimony to God’s faithfulness to me and my children during the time of my husband’s unfaithfulness and my divorce. I am presenting Joyce Meyer’s book, “Beauty from Ashes”. Many women identified to my situation of my husband leaving me for a younger woman, emotionally and spiritually. I asked for prayer requests, most were for situations like mine, health, places to live, money to live and relationships. All people have the same requests regardless of their station in life or where they live. I will be with this group the next four mornings. Brother Chris is teaching different groups, different messages four times each day to university students. Craig Singleton, Dean of Music at the Dominican University in California, is teaching music, guitar to the university students. Sister-in-law Kim met with the deans at University of Rwanda to discuss training of professors on use of computer technology. She has a Fullbright grant this year and will be at the university representing Christ.

Arrived in Butare

Brian and Innocent from US Ambassy met me at the airport. I had an easiest time to go through the immigration desk in my history of visiting here. Joan, Paul, and Frank were there to meet me, I felt like I was so spoiled by getting all these attention. Now I found out that my seminar is a big deal and advertised widely, oops, I hope I am prepared for this. There is a change in administration post at the University, so I didn't know if I could even have a seminar. On Monday there will be an opening ceremony.

Chris, Craig, and Jean were met by Paul and Frank at the border and escorted them to the CASA house. It was 12 hour long bus drive for them from Uganda to Rwanda. They are safe and sound. PTL!

Chris and Jean will go to Paul's church and Craig and I will go to Robina's church today.

London airport

When I arrived in London, Chrs met me, and helped me to move bags from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4. Craig and Jean went to town and did tour of London, and I saw them off to Uganda at 5:30 p.m yesterday, then off to my hotel. I am visiting Andrew and his parents now, and using his computer to check my e-mail. Nick is teaching today, so I don't see him this time.

Family visit

Jeanne came to SF on Saturday. Criag, Jeanne, Chris and I met as a team for the last time before we leave for Africa. Craig left on Sunday to visit his father in Alabama, he will meet Chris in NY. Chris and Jeanne will leave today to NY, then to London. I will meet them in London on 6th, and then we split again. They will go to Butare via Entebe; I will go to Butare via Nairobi. We will be together on 9th in Butare. Everything is in order. Frank e-mailed that the Vice Rector and Fulbright director will come to open the faculty workshop on 11th. I decide to take my Mac computer, and I am not sure how it is going to work with electricity problems in Rwanda.

Frank and Lilia are here to enjoy SF.

I met Grace in 2003 at Good Samaritan in Kampala

Grace--2005

Open your mouth big

I didn't ask much, thus I received not. I think I am too practical or perhaps I have too little faith. God is teaching me his way lately. I am experiencing God's principles each day more and more, and I am marveled at how he provides for us. Yesterday during QT time, I was struck by the words, "open your mouth big". I have been praying for digital cameras and a laptop computer to take to Rwanda. Carol, a student of mine brought one camera and today Patrick will bring one in. Guess what, I got a lamp for Paul's projector. It came from the unexpected place.

I am planning to give a hands-on technology workshop, so faculty members can experience meaningful learning as they produce their personal story that is dear to their heart. I found out that there is a new software that is equivalent of iMovie, it is called Photo Story 3. Last night I stayed up till 2:30 a.m, and trying to download the software, but I realized that my laptop is too old for the software. I need a better one. I better believe that God will supply one, because he always has. Chris suggests that we need to take good equipment since we have to hand carry and also we only can take 50 pounds per bag. I guess Chris is suggesting that I open my mouth big, and receive it. I decide to buy two new digital cameras, and I am thinking to get a new laptop as well. My African friends deserve good things as we like to have good things. I better not ask "give me old things you don't use".

Some Kinyarwanda

Some Kinyarwanda words

Imana ishimwe........Praise God

Muraho........how are you,

Turabakunda mwese.....We love you all

Imana iragukunda.......God loves you.

Turirimbe......Let us sing.

Dusenge..........let us pray.

Muarakoze---Thank you.

Imana ibahumugisha...........God bless you,

Imana ni nziza........God is good.

Ndabakunda.............I lovue you.

Turarangije.......We have finished.

Murabeho..................Good bye.

Books for CASA Library

Britt came to the house with many books for Robina. Rejection is a common thing in anywhere but in Rwanda and for the girls, it is more severe thing. Robina asked books on that topic, and mentioned the concern. Britt and her husband are donating those books for Robina to teach girls at NUR. PTL. I was strengthed and encouraged by Britt yesterday. Love you, Lord.



Here is a message from Britt to Robina:

Dear robina,
I am very encouraged by your ministry at the college and would like to continue to help you find good resources for your studies with women. I have sent several different books. Many I have done in a biblestudy I lead here, in San Francisco. Kim told me that you were looking particularly for books on rejection, so I focused on that (issues of fear,anxiety, and trust).

Beth Moore is one of the authors I sent. I sent two of her workbooks and accompanying books. You can use the book & workbook with the same title separately or
together. She gets you very deep in the Word and her book called "Breaking Free" is all about allowing the Lord to take away the things that keep us from him, whether it be worry or fear or lack of trust.

I also sent a book on Anxiety (I think a lot of women hold in a lot of anxiety whether it be worry about getting married or not feeling good enough). It's by Linda Dillow who is a missionary with her husband in Eastern Europe. Elisabeth Elliott is another one of my favorite authors. It would be great for you to read about her life. Her husband was killed by natives in South America and she and another women went and lived with the natives after and they all converted to Christianity. I sent a book that she wrote about asking God why..."Why don't I have a husband?", "Why did this happen to me?", "Why do you let bad things happen to people?"... it's good for a new believer or someone struggling to trust in the Lord.



Some of the other books are for your library. I'd like to know what you think about the study books as you go through them. If you like one in particular, we can send more of the same so that a small group of learners can have their own workbook to write in as they study. Also, if you have any questions about the books or how to go about leading the studies, I am more than willing to talk to you about them.

My husband and I are praying for you and your ministry and look forward to receiving news about student's growth in the Lord.

God bless,
Britt

Simon's wedding

Robina,

simon got married on May 27 in NY. We are very happy parents as you can see. I hope someday Dilia, Simon's bride, will visit Africa. She is a beautiful lady inside and out. We miss you and hope to see you in July.

I got an e-mail from Robina. I asked what kind books she needs for her teaching, she asked any material about dealing with rejections. Here is her e-mail;

It's long time.
For girls, mostly and according to our culture, we
faced a problem of rejection where girls had no
affection from their brothers and girls would be the
maids of every person at home.
Therfore a class about rejection is reccomended. Girls
are not given much love like boys especially to those
that came from Uganda. For those of Rwanda, rape cases
in genocide and other social and moral haresment were
met.
Topics of rejection, healing, forgiveness are
reccomended.

Mum stay blessed and bye.

bought tickets

Chris bought tickets for Craig,Jeanne,me and him. We will go to Africa via NY-London-Entebe. The strech from Entebe to Butare will be by bus.

Came back

I have not posted anything. I was too busy to update this site, Robina and I have been in contact with each other via phone. Robina is planning to have a retreat, and she reported that there are 18 students want to go for the retreat. She is proposing it. I guess it may needed to build team spirtit. But I am thinking, can they build team spirit by volunteering. For example, when our people go to Africa, our students save money by working odd jobs for the entire year. When they go to Africa, they work hard to make a difference.

I am wondering loud that how volunteering will work in Rwanda culture. I remember when I was in college, we used to go to villiages and taught students and took care of children while adults worked during the day. We wanted to make some difference. I am just wondering if the picnic is the right thing to do. I guess we can just try once this time. I would love to see students volunteer to go to Batwa villiage and play with children, and relieve overworked mothers for a few hours by taking care of children.

Monthly Report

Wednesday, February 26, 2006
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters,

God has been blessing Come & See Africa since this ministry began last year. He has worked in marvelous ways. We would like to share our progress so far.

On November first, CASA rented a house near the campus of the National University of Rwanda (NUR). Chris was in the house for four weeks (November 9 to December 9) establishing the “Christian Fellowship House” and launching a campus ministry. As far as we know, CASA is the only international ministry in Rwanda with the singular purpose of influencing the campus generation for Christ. We are convinced that university students are key to putting the entire nation of Rwanda on the a path toward reconciliation, peace, and prosperity.

After the first of the year, university students began returning to campus. Over the past seven weeks, the Christian Fellowship House has been buzzing with activity. We are welcoming people 24 hours a day. CASA has hosted morning devotions, noon luncheons, evening Bible classes, and all-night prayer meetings. Everyday we are visited by students, local farmers, evangelists, and Christians of every stripe. We have made this space available for use by the local community and it is being used to the maximum.

Please read the following excerpts from emails, one from Robina (activity director) and one from Frank (academic director):

From Robina on February 11:

"CASA is still receiving guests from the NUR because of the Gospel campaign. We had meetings taking place like the one of the NUR Students from the Baptist church. There was a counseling session by Evangelist Rutayisire Antony with NUR Students. I did not know that CASA will impact the society and the university to this extent. I wish you may come to see the inflow of people in the ministry and I have also realized why God initiated CASA.

For sure here in Butare we need prayers, God to grant us wisdom. When these visitors do come from Kigali, they go back singing CASA. One of them told to call the CFH as a Missionary House. Again that I should pray for such Houses to be introduced in many towns, especially Kigali. He added that it his first time to see a such House in Rwanda.


I love you, Robina"

From Frank on February 20:

"It’s night here. I’m very busy today, doing some repairs on lights, water and buy some stuff for the house. Construction of the outside toilet is almost done remaining roofing and finishing.

I found the class is full, the sitting room is almost full. They are 29 in number we hope for more, so continue to pray with us for more space. These students are hungry, they come even before and do some reading and ask many questions. This class makes my day, so I wanted to express my joy to you. God sent me to seminary for this reason and I am really enjoying this.

your faithful FRANK "

As you can see, we are being blessed to overflowing. As the year 2006 progresses we are seeking ways to manage this overflow of blessing. We do need to rent more space for classrooms. We do need to provide snacks for hungry students. We do need theological books and classroom material. In East Africa today, the words of Jesus ring especially true: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. [Luke 10:2]”

We are seeking your support – prayer support, financial support, and participation support. First, pray for Come & See Africa, especially for Robina and Frank, that God uses these two young people in a mighty way to build His Kingdom in this corner of Africa. Second, if you are able, we ask that you support this work financially. We have committed to send $2000 each month to sustain this campus ministry. This is challenge for us and we could use your help. Third, CASA is returning to Butare during the month of July. So far six people have committed to this mission. We could easily accommodate a few more. Are you interested in being a harvester at the National University of Rwanda? Pray and seek God’s guidance. For more information on who we are and what we do, check out our web site at http://comeandseeafrica.org/. And thank you for reading this email!

Blessings,
Chris and Kim Foreman


"Come and See a man .. is not this the Christ? John 4:29"

Pastor Chris' Feb. 18th Column from KoreaTimes

Knocking down a wall of separation
February 18, 2006 / Number 175.

A few Sundays ago I had the opportunity to preach a message to a group of Korean young people. The message was about the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well. I was explaining the four walls of separation that Jesus demolished with his simple request “give me a drink.” The first wall that Jesus knocked down was gender – He spoke to a woman. The second wall was religion – he spoke to woman who worshiped on a mountaintop. The third wall was status – he spoke to an outcast, a woman living outside of marriage.

The fourth wall of separation was race. Jesus spoke to a mixed-race woman. The Jews despised the Samaritans more than any other group because of their mixed blood. The proud people of Judea could trace their ancestry back to Jacob, but the people of Samaria could not. About five hundred years before the time of Christ, conquering Assyrians forcibly mixed the people of Israel with inhabitants of neighboring nations.

As I was explaining this situation to teenagers, I reached back into my Korean vocabulary and found a word that I hadn’t spoken in a long time – the word was “twegi” [Half-breed]. Many of the young people were uncomfortable at this word and squirmed in their seats. Samaria was nation of “twegis” and was therefore scorned by pure-blooded Jews.

After the church service, the EM pastor apologized to me about the low attendance for my service. He reminded me that it was Super Bowl Sunday. Many regular church attendees, especially boys, were absent in order to join Super Bowl parties. I understood the situation replying that my own son was watching the big game with his friends.

The next morning, I picked up the Korean Times and couldn’t miss the banner headlines of the Super Bowl. I thought to myself, “This is unusual. American football does not typically warrant so much attention”. As I read more closely, I discovered that the Most Valuable Player of this game was identified as a “Korean”. I called to my son and said, “Did you know that Hines Ward was Korean?”. He was surprised and said, “You’re kidding. I didn’t know that”. My mixed-race son thought that he was Black with some unusual ancestry.


As I read more in the Korea Times, it became apparent that all this attention did not concern American football at all but was all about Korean pride. (If Willie Parker had won MVP, would Koreans have cared?) Just as Hwang Woo-suk was overthrown as a point of national pride, Hines Ward was being haled as “the first Korean to win a football MVP”. What is it in the Korean psyche that worships individuals who are “most valuable” on an international stage?

I was in Korea about the time Hines Ward was born. In 1976 there were many newborns in Korea that looked like this future MVP. Most of these Black mixed-race children were openly despised and many put up for adoption to the West. They were not claimed as “Korean” but insulted as “twegi”. Thirty years later, is this adoration of Hines Ward just another case of Korean hero worship? Or is Korea finally attaining the attitude of Christ, where mixed-race is not a barrier to full inclusion? It is probably just another case of hero worship, but I pray that Hines Ward is at the front of a long parade that includes all mixed-race Koreans and not just those who win impressive awards.

Great weather in San Francisco

We have great weather lately, around 70's. I was driving into the City and thought about our friends in Rwanda, and thought it would be so neat for them to see this bridge, Golden Gate Bridge. Amon and William had a chance to cross it when they visited us. So I can say with confidence that at least two Rwandees have walked on this bridge. We live at a small town called Mill Valley, about 2 miles from the north end of bridge, and I hope someday Robina and Frank have a chance to walk on this bridge. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other.

Snow in New York

Simon sent these pictures from NY. There are 2 feet snow, and it seems like Dilia and Ike are having great time in snow. Woudn't it be nice to send some of the snow to Robina and Frank in Butare? And to me in SF too.

Report from Pastor Chris

Dear friends and family,

With excitement and anticipation, we are preparing for our upcoming summer mission to Africa.
See our upgraded site at: http://CASA website for details. (Thanks, Simon, for your help with this)

We are happy to be supporting Robina and Frank as they do God's work in Rwanda through the Christian Fellowship House. Robina is Activity Director, skillfully managing who stays in our rooms and what groups meet in our facilities. Frank is Academic Director in charge of discipleship training for students at the National University of Rwanda. These are two outstanding young people.

We are glad to report that the Gospel is being proclaimed, lives are being changed, and the poor are ministered unto. If you were to join us this summer, you would be staying at the Christian Fellowship House and sharing this joy.

Below is a recent email from Robina. Reading it will provide a glimpse of what we are doing. To read more of this daily correspondence, you can visit Kim's blog at http://comeandseeafrica.blogspot.com/

Report from Butare via Robina

On the case of Feb, CASA is still recieving guests
from the NUR because of the gosple campaign. These
included Pastor Mugisha and his delegation from New
Life bible church-Kigali, Ev Kwizera Emmanuel and the
GBU president, EV Antony Rutayisire and his more three
members and am still waiting for more visitors today
night. From 17th Jan up to 22nd Jan, am still waiting
to recieve Pastor RON he is an American residing from
SOUTH AFRICA. He is comming to carry out a seminar to
the pastors and this seminar will take place from LT
Church.

We had meetings taking place like the one of the NUR
Students from the Baptist church meeting their Legal
representative, Counciling session by Ev Rutayisire
Antony with NUR Student.


I did not know that CASA will impact the society and
the university to this extent.
I wish you may come to see the in flow of poeple in
the ministry and i have also realised why God intiated
CASA.

For sure here in Butare we need prayers, God to grant
us wisdom. When these vistors do come from Kigali,
they go back singing CASA. One of them told to call
the CFH as a Missionary House. A gain that i should
pray fro such Houses to be introduced in many town
especially Kigali. He added that it his fisrt time to
see a such House in Rwanda.

I love you
Robina

Come and Go

We had Amon last week, and Zach came this week. On Thursday night, we had a dinner that is turned out to be our first meeting of this year for Rwanda mission. Lynda, Tina, Craig, Brian, Lily came, of course Amon, and Chris and I were there too. We had great fellowship, watched last summer's video, talk about CFH mission, and what we want to do this year. Craig is our friend, also he is a music professor and a dean of graduate studies at a private university. Also he is a choir director for TBC. He is interested in going with us this summer and he will teach guitar class. It was great to see Tina and Lynda again. Tina will go this summer again. On Friday morning, we went to Muir Wood, and showed Amon around. They attended Friday Men's group Bible study at Presbyterian as well.

On Saturday, we went to Prayer Mt. On the way to prayer Mt. We stopped at Kim's Flower. Pastor Kim and his wife insisted that they take us out, so we went to a Chinese restaurant. Food was good. I was so impressed with their sons, they are so faithful and smart. These people did great job raising children. They were easy going, respectful, and most importantly they were very affectionate toward their mother and appreciative. They did awesome job as parents. We stayed a night at the Prayer Mt. I think we were the only one there that night.


On Sunday, we got up very early then drove to Monterey for 8:00 morning service. Sunday was very busy. Chris preached for three services from 8 O'clock to 12:00, then we had a lunch. I did a parenting seminar from 1: to 3:00. We thank God for this church. They are praying for us and also they give their offerings. It was also so good to see old friends who went to Rwanda with us a few years ago. They were happy to see us again. I pray that this church will be on our side. But they support five different countries already, so we will see what God has for us. Amon left on Monday morning, and Zach came on Monday evening.