How do you blog about a meeting?

It's hard to blog about a day filled with meetings. What to describe?
It's not as interesting as zebras on the road, or seeing orphanages,
or long road trips. But it was interesting to me.

The people I was meeting with are called WBS Follow-up Workers, or
just 'Workers' for short. There are 18 of them and they are from all
over Kenya. Each one is responsible for following up on WBS
correspondence course students as they complete their studies. They
also follow up with churches that have been started by WBS students,
with the help of the worker, in their geographic area. These guys are
what makes the WBS effort in Kenya different from in other countries,
and so successful.

The meetings today were two fold. First, Mauryn led a discussion of
the technical aspects of their job, and then they had to listen to me
trying to be a teacher to men who teach the bible for a living, many
with formal training from bible institutes . For those who know me
well, you are laughing about now as you envision the uber-geek Tim,
playing preacher with a straight face! However my topic was not one
they were prepared for. I doubt any of them has ever taught it as it
would be very unpopular here: women's rights. Now the rest of you are
laughing.

This topic became interesting for a number of reasons. My son Peter
and I have just finished a study called "Becoming a Man." This is a
great short course for teaching God's vision for manhood. In this
study, we learn about God's original intent for Adam, Eve and how the
fall and the curse changed everything. The general thesis is that
men are to lead, but not dominate. That women have an important role
to play in every aspect of life, and that wrong treatment of women by
men is a sin and part of Eve's curse "…and he shall rule over you."
Genesis 3

Another reason this topic is becoming important to me is the impact of
a number of strong women in my life, namely my wife, Susie; my mother;
and my good friend and mentor (is there a feminine form of "mentor"?),
Brenda Sorrells. These women have demonstrated what scripture tells
us that women have equal value in God's eyes and equal, but different
roles in His kingdom.

It's hard to read the expressions of people from a different culture,
particularly one so utterly foreign as this one. But from their
questions and silences, I judge that about six of them heard what I
said with an open mind, the rest were either indifferent or judged
that I was a fool. It doesn't really matter to me. I said it because
I felt God was telling me that it needed to be said. I gave it my
all, and if it falls to the ground, so be it. Who knows, maybe it did
some good.

Seven of these men are also responsible for orphanages in their area.
They will stay behind here in Kamulu to meet tomorrow with me and
Maureen about the orphanage work. The Creechs and Seth return from
Safari tomorrow; Francis will go pick them up without me, as we will
still be meeting. One evening of rest and then Sunday brings worship,
packing and the start of another, long journey home.

Until then…