It has to do with what it means to truly be human, to know that you are bound up with others in the bundle of life.” (pg.

You know when ubuntu is there, and it is obvious when it is absent. The quality of ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them. They know that they are diminished when others are humiliated, diminished when others are oppressed, diminished when others are treated as if they were less than who they are. Such people are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing they belong in a greater whole. A person with ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share. It speaks about wholeness it speaks about compassion. It speaks of the fact that my humanity is caught up and inextricably bound up in yours. This is a brief passage from Tutu’s book, God Has a Dream, about ubuntu: To quote former archbishop of South Africa, Desmond Tutu, what I experienced is “ubuntu”-a Nguni African term for “the recognition of our interdependence”. I think perhaps He wanted to teach me how to simply be human together with my family there. My purpose for coming to Chontala was to be an English teacher, but I believe that God had another purpose, still. I grew to be part of a family with whom I know I will always have a place, a home. I laughed so very much and cried a little. It was an incredible blessing to live in Chontala these past three months.

So, how do I begin to sum up this experience or the ways I have changed and the things I have learned? I want to tell you, but I am sure my words will fall short…. Rain in dry season? 9 new roommates (Wesley girls). I know my blogs have been quite inconsistent and a lot has happened since the youth conference, so to be creative…or maybe lazy, I’ll summarize these events in 50 words: PS: If you haven’t registered your child for VBS yet, you can do so at /vbs.I’ve refused (in many ways) to believe that this is real-that I’ve been home for a week.

or find a PURPLE clipboard throughout the building and sign up to serve.

Let’s serve together and make a difference! We need 150 adults, college students, and youth to sign up to SERVE and #MAKEanIMPACT in the lives of our children. The children will focus on being “created by God and built for a purpose.” The week will be filled with bite-sized pieces of ministry but we can’t do it alone. Before we know it, our church will be preparing for this powerful week of ministry in the life of FBCTLH. Plans have already begun for the week of June 12-16 at FBCTLH. It is my desire for us to work as a church and team to put together a strong, spiritual, and fun week for one reason: so each child that walks through the doors of FBCTLH knows that Jesus loves them… all the time, anywhere, and no matter what happens in their life. What an incredible opportunity before us! Perhaps we should think of it as the perfect follow-up to Easter? God has given the people of FBCTLH an opportunity to share His story with the children of Tallahassee. The question on my heart: Is VBS still relevant for children? Many of us have fond memories of attending and serving in VBS in the past but is that reason enough to “do it again?” I believe we need to think about VBS a bit differently. I find myself thinking about June 12–16 morning, noon, and night. This is a meaningful time as we walk through the season of Lent, preparing our hearts and minds for Easter.ĭespite this, the calendar page will turn soon and busy days are ahead for the Children’s Ministry. The sights, sounds, and smells of spring remind us of God’s creative and powerful hand in our lives. Spring is finally here and the signs of new life are all around us.

Submerge vbs first baptist tallahassee