Technology and Teaching

Technology woes
In the last few months we have had a series of computer problems, and have had to waste a lot of time trying to get them fixed. At the moment we have no working computer in the house - which is why this Sheads in Short comes to you as a "low tech" edition!

Teaching challenges
The latest round of computer problems is badly timed for Stephen, because this week he begins teaching a new course on Deuteronomy at the CEP, on top of his current load. The preparation is still tiring and time-consuming for him in Spanish, but the classes themselves have been very rewarding, and the students are very enthusiastic about the things they are learning.

Pastors and preaching
One of the subjects Stephen is currently teaching is a course on James for Anglican pastors. The idea of the CEP courses for pastors is to help them keep studying and learning, and also to maintain and strengthen the ties between the CEP and the Anglican churches in Santiago. Stephen has been very encouraged by the level of interest and keen participation of the pastors.

As well as his course, Stephen has had opportunities to get to know a number of Anglican pastors and churches in recent weeks, and is receiving many invitations to preach around the place.

Give thanks...

• For the chances we have had to visit churches and build relationships with pastors, and for the invitations Stephen has had to preach.
• For the encouragement and enthusiasm of the pastors who come to Stephen's course on James.

Please pray...

• For a quick resolution to our computer problems.
• For energy and enthusiasm for the whole family: there are no school holidays between March and July, and everyone is feeling quite tired.
• For good health in the cold weather, which has suddenly arrived, and for an improvement in various allergies that we are suffering from.

How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. -- Psalm 1:1-2

More new students!

Classes at the CEP have begun in earnest, now with 10 new full-time students and around 12 part-time. The classroom is only just big enough to fit everyone—what a wonderful problem to have! At the moment Stephen is teaching Biblical Theology, and this week he will begin teaching the first of the CEP evening classes.

CEP students and faculty (well, most of them) for 2009 - click for bigger image

Unfortunately, just before classes began, Stephen’s laptop computer stopped working. He is working around it at the moment, but it has made life more complicated.

… and returning students
The boys have settled back in to school very happily. We celebrated 2 birthdays in February—thank you to everyone who sent cards and messages.

We want to thank you for your generous support of us through CMS, despite the financial crisis. We pray that God will provide for all your needs and ours, as you continue to give generously!

Give thanks...

• For the new and returning students at the CEP this year.
• For the boys’ happy start to school, especially Tristan in Kinder.
• For our ongoing partnership with you through CMS.

Please pray...

• For Stephen’s class preparation and continuing work on his thesis for publication, especially without his laptop.
• For the Sunday School at our church (classes began for the year on Mar 15). Pray that the children will grow in their understanding and love of God. Pray that the teachers will be faithful and enthusiastic.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Cor 9:6

February newsletter

We have just sent out our February newsletter, which you can download as a PDF here (or as a high-quality version for printing here).

Youth leaders at the CEP-run diocesan camp

Here are some highlights:

• Holidays in the Atacama Desert
• The Diocesan Youth Leaders' Camp in January
• The year ahead for the CEP and for us as a family

and not least:

• Danilo Hueche's inspiring faith in his ongoing struggle with cancer
  

Oh, and if you want to see photos from our trip to the Atacama, check out our picasa albums (both Trip to Antofagasta and San Pedro de Atacama). Here's a sampler of the amazing scenery at San Pedro:

¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!

We are about to celebrate our 3rd Christmas in Chile! Again we will miss our family and friends in Australia.

What is Christmas like in Chile?

• Tinsel, trees, toys, fairy lights, Santa and nativity scenes
• Candles service at church
• Big family dinner on Dec 24, with presents at midnight
• A quiet day to recover on Dec 25
• Pan de pascua (like fruit cake) and cola de mono (alcoholic drink)
• No church on Dec 24 or 25
• Hot dry weather
• Back to work on Dec 26

Christian and Faby, two of our CEP graduates, who will pastor a small Anglican church near Santiago.

We want to thank you for your support of CMS and of us this year. We pray that you will have a happy Christmas and that you will know the Lord’s blessings in the new year.

Give thanks...

• For the six students who graduated from the CEP last week: Raquel from Paraguay, Julio César from Bolivia, and Gerardo, Christian, Fabiola and Maricel from Chile.

Please pray...

• That Chileans will remember the reason for Christmas festivities, and kneel before the one born to be king.
• For the diocesan youth leaders’ camp run by the CEP students, from 5–9 January.
• For safety as we drive about 3000km for our holiday in January, through the desert in the north to Antofagasta.

He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. -- Isaiah 9:7

Danilo

It is with heavy hearts that we tell you the latest news from Danilo, ex-CEP student. He has been told by the doctors that his cancer is terminal. He has decided not to go ahead with aggressive chemotherapy, so that he will be well enough to continue sharing the news of salvation in Jesus for the time that he has left. He is ready to face God as his judge—are you?

CEP
The CEP students have one more week of classes before end of year exams. Stephen has a growing pile of marking, but only a few more classes to prepare for this year. The staff are working hard to evaluate and refine the course for next year.

Other news
Stephen has had the opportunity to preach at the CEP, our church and at a new church plant which is now led by César Guzmán. He is also preparing his doctoral thesis for publication in 2009, which is proving to be very time-consuming.

Give thanks...

• For all that the CEP students have learned this year.
• For Danilo’s commitment to and love for Jesus.

Please pray...

• For Danilo and his family as they come to terms with the news, and that there may yet be a miraculous healing.
• For the CEP students as they prepare for their exams.
• For the students who are graduating, as decisions are made about ministry placements for 2009.
• For wisdom for Stephen and the other teachers at CEP as they plan the course for next year.

Now when this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory. -- 1 Corinthians 15:54

Liliana and Ben both had very happy birthdays in October.

October newsletter

We have just posted our October newsletter, which you can download as a PDF here (or a high-res version for printing here).

To whet your appetite, here are the highlights:

No, really, here they are:

• Another milestone! Two years in Chile
  
• CEP mission in Coquimbo and La Serena, with some "thoughts from the trenches"
• Church and family life (special feature: Rebecca's lesson in how to make empanadas! see yummy photo...)
• Update on Danilo, the CEP student who has been fighting cancer

And as well as all this, of course, you can get our latest thanks and prayer points.

Rev. Pablo Zavala, pastor of the Anglican church in La Serena

Where did that come from??

It is hard to believe we are approaching 2 years here! We are very grateful for how our Spanish has progressed, but sometimes we feel very limited in our ability to express things, especially when we are unhappy about something. This can lead to surprising outbursts, and we wonder where all that frustration came from!

CEP news

Stephen is enjoying teaching OT. But he struggles to keep up with class preparation, and often feels drained. His week seems to fill up with good things that crowd out his preparation time. Last week he began teaching a course for pastors on the Psalms.

Some of the pastors in Stephen's course

The CEP women have a day conference on August 30, with Terry Blowes speaking on Submission in Ephesians.

The annual CEP mission is coming up soon. Please pray for God to be working in the hearts of those who will come, for the students as they prepare and the wives left behind for the week.

Give thanks...

• That Stephen's classes are going well.
• For the great support we receive from CMS (that means you!) and our annual pastoral visit later this month, with Peter and Terry Blowes.

Please pray...

• For us to keep working hard at our Spanish, and for self-control and patience when we find ourselves frustrated.
• For Stephen to manage his time well.
• For the CEP women's conference, and Terry Blowes as she prepares and leads the day.
• For the CEP mission on September 6-14.

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check. -- Proverbs 29:11