We spent some time in worship to begin and shared some of our expectations for the week.
Hans told us the story of how the UofN came to be. You can also find this story in the Reference Guide, pages 58-59.
Story of the two metal chairs, and the glass of water. We need all three in Ywam: the academia (Howard) , the hospitality (Darlene) and the visionary (Loren) . Can you see who carries what in your base ? The three work together, and complement each other.
We talked about Howard Malmstadt, the co-founder and the very first provost of the UofN. He was a very humble man, even though he was the best scientist of his time (Researcher/Professor in spectroscopy).
"Every student is a treasure sent to us by God" - Howard Malmstadt.
You can watch Howard's testmony on YouTube, on YouTube.com/watch?v=PmJEvrZvkSw&t=888s
You can also read the following article in the Reference Guide, page 40 : University of the Nations; a new kind of animal, by David Hamilton
John spoke about the wounds and the trauma that most Africans have gone through whilst in education. The teachers usually did not have a heart for the children they taught. Fear, stress, exams, competition, pressure... were all words that people would associate with the education system.
Education in Africa very often happens in a context of fear and abuse of authority.
You cannot learn if you do not feel safe.
So, what does it mean to be a christian teacher ? It means that you are co-creating with God, and releasing destinies.
Too much knowledge, without character, brings corruption.
After the break, Leo encouraged us to acknowledge our educational wounds. We spent some time praying and ministering to each other. A very powerful time.
At the end, Leo encouraged us to regularly speak out the truth over ourselves, so that the lies that were exposed during the ministry time will be replaced by new habits and new proclamations. We need to articulate our new status.
Joelle and Baptiste Zeller spoke about the importance of releasing young leaders. They illustrated their talk by showing us an arrow:
The arrow has got three parts:
1. The head - the children
2. The shaft - the youth, the next generation
3. The feathers at the back- the elders, giving direction and balance
If you only send the children, the head of the arrow it will not go very far, and certainly not reach the target.
If you only send the children and the youth, who is the next generation, but ignore the feathers, there will be no direction, and again you will not reach the target. We need all three parts in ministry: for the arrow to reach its target, we need the elders, the youth and the children. We must work together.
Shanette had a word from God; "If you want Africa to die, then do not release your young leaders. If you want Africa to thrive, then release them. Now is the time. The Ancient of days says it is time for Africa."
Bruno spoke to us about the fine line between control and discipleship. A line not to be crossed. The more you release your people, the more they will come back to you for advice, counsel,etc. Support them, advise them and release them. Give them a chance and be there to catch them if they trip over. Bruno spoke to us about leadership and interviewed Leo, Philippe, John, Vincent and a few others.
"Leadership is a manifestation of love" - Tom Bloomer.
Carlinha spoke about community. The students will learn a lot just by the way we welcome them into our community. Our model is the Trinity. John 13- 17 is what we need to meditate and live out. Our community is made of people who are learning how to live with Holy Spirit amongst us. We must be aware of the continual presence of God with us, and live in a way that does not grieve the Holy Spirit. Before your DTS students arrive, prepare the environment for a healthy community
As they watch us, the students will learn : To find beauty, water, refreshing... To hear the voice of God. They will grow and watch our growth too. Are we walking in humility etc...do we repent if we make a mistake? how do we relate to each other, what is our relationship with money like, how do we step out in faith? What are we talking about over meals?
Carlinha spoke about goals and outcomes: the outcome that we expect from the schools must be communicated to the students, so they know what is expected of them. We need to clearly set out the outcome, and allow the students to have a good attude. So they will know what to grow into. Each UofN programme develops the following:
- Hands = we work hard, both practically and spiritually
- Heads = we acquire knowledge
- Hearts = Our hearts must be full of love, and this love must transpire through all we do and all we know. Our work must be an overflow of our love.
Barbara Hawksley spoke about the 3 modes of education that we have in our University:
1. Formal education is logical and step-by-step teaching: it is deep, solid, and necessary teachings that happen primarily in the classroom.
2. Non-formal education is what happens outside of the classroom; during work duties for example, and during our one-on-one meetings. A kind of teaching that is more personal and adapted to what the person is experiencing. These moments are intentional. They can also take place during worship, times of intercession, etc.
3. Informal education is that which is unintended : it is the learning that students acquire by living in community and by being included, accepted, welcomed, loved, treated well... they learn from the way of life, attudes, faith-filled conversations etc. of the community around them.
A few words from Bruno about assessing the students: Evaluation. Assessment must be done on a regular basis, so you keep track of what is happening .
There is an article about assessment on pages 169-179 of the Ref. Guide. The assessment is not to fail them, but to show them how well they can do, how far they have come. Set them up to be successful. Prepare them well for any tests. Communication to staff and students of the expected outcomes is very important.
Mandi talked about registration : We register courses for many reasons. From quality control to writing history. Go to the webapp to register.
Barbara Hawksley talked about Extension Studies. You will find everything she said on es.uofn.edu Extension Studies are a chance to keep your ear on the ground, determine what the needs are around you , and then you can create a tailored made course for your audience. The Holy Spirit wants to inspire us, and speak to us about which courses to create, and which courses to run.
Carlinha encouraged us to dream with God. To dream big ! Where would you like to be, let’s say in 5 years’ time, as a base ? What schools would you like to see happen? Which audience would you like to reach ? What is on the heart of God for your base for the future ? Can you create new courses, with Holy Spirit ?
Dream, without thinking about the money, or the obstacles, or the languages... just dream.
We spent time listening to God and committing ourselves to doing his will.
