Daily Musings

Lessons from South Africa

Upon our return from the recent Chatham Hall service trip to South Africa, someone asked me if I would ever go back.  My answer was swift and certain - Yes, yes and more yes! 

The people on the African continent are joyful, remarkably optimistic, and spiritually vital despite the political, economic, military and cultural uncertainty that seems to be everywhere.

Christianity is growing faster throughout Africa than any other place in the world. Unlike churches throughout Europe that, for the most part, are empty on Sunday mornings, churches in Africa must have multiple services each week to accommodate the crowds. 

Even the little Anglican Church in Touwsriver, South Africa (a small town 3 hours west of Capetown) has two services each Sunday morning so everyone can attend.

Chatham Hall students visiting a small apostolic church in Touwsriver, South Africa during their Spring 2009 Service Trip

I’m not sure why the church is growing so fast in Africa.  I wish I did.  But if I had to guess I’d say it has something to do with how much sense Jesus’ words make to them.

• “Blessed are the poor.”
• “Blessed are the mourners.”
• “Blessed are those who are persecuted”. 

All this makes sense to people who have known little else since the middle of the 17^th century; and all this makes sense to people with a seemingly bottomless well of smiling, authentic good will. 

The message of God’s love for them is not one of which they must be convinced.  It is part of their genetic code, and worship for them is as natural as breathing. 

The churches do not have fancy programs or grand facilities.  However, the people have hearts and souls in which God has taken up permanent residence and they love to let it show. 

               - David Smith

(Dr. Smith was one of six Chatham Hall faculty members accompanying this year’s Chatham Hall students on their March service trip to South Africa.)

One Last Photo from Oxford

Here's one last photo from my study time at Oxford. Someone asked for pictures of me in some of Oxford's famous places, and here is one taken by one of my Oxford classmates. I am standing at the altar in the chapel of Keble College.  - David Smith

Some Final Photos from Oxford

As you might imagine, my three weeks in Oxford, England were fantastic.  Though I had been to England before, I had never had the opportunity to stay in one place longer than a couple of days before moving.  However, being able to live and study at Merton College gave me a chance to experience life in Oxford to the fullest.

Magdalen College Tower across Merton green

 

Iffley Church tower from the Thames tow path

I most enjoyed visiting and worshiping in many Oxford churches including Choral Evensong in Christ Church Cathedral, evening prayer at St. Mary Magdalene, Sunday Eucharist at University Church of St. Mary, and Sunday evening prayer at St. Mary the Virgin in Iffley.

 

Interior of All Souls College Chapel

Photos from Oxford

Good morning again from Oxford!

Here are some photos from around Merton College where I am studying. Merton was the first college at Oxford founded around 1250 C.E.

The Mob Quad - the first academic quad dating from the time of the college's founding.

The last two photos are cityscapes of the town of Oxford taken from atop the entry gate tower of the Bodleian Library. Prominently displayed is the Radcliffe Camera, also part of the Bodleian Library.

 

Back to work!

Until next time,

David

The time in Oxford flies by

...with so much to do, see, and learn. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be allowed into the Oxford University archives and actually see the founding documents dating back to 1270, along with many other significant historical documents.

Afterwards, I did some research in the Bodleian Library and visited what is known as the Divinity School, which is no longer a divinity school at all, but rather part of the library.  It is the second oldest university building in the city, dating to the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Interestingly enough, the oldest building has been transformed into a wonderful coffee shop/tea room called the Vaults and Gardens.

Our class work continues to go along quite well. I am learning much about the architecture of the middle ages as well as the history of Oxford city and university. 

Research on my paper is progressing.  I will present an interpretation of St. Mary's Church, Iffley, using the four fundamental purposes and functions of classical mythology. Iffley Church is famous for its beauty and architectural interest.  Built in 1170, it is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in England.

The paper is due the end of next week, and our class presentations the week following.  I have a feeling there will be some early mornings and late nights between now and then. 

Well, the afternoon shower has abated and the sun returns.... time for a walk by the Thames. 

More later.

David

Good Morning from Oxford!

Classes are going along and the material is very interesting.  I will make my first foray into the Bodleian Library system today…. Rumor has it some people are seen entering and never return! 

 

What I imagined as being something of a relaxed pace has not materialized.  We are in class all morning and out on field trips all afternoon.  I usually attend evensong around 6:00 and then attend formal dinner @ 7:15 followed by a post dinner lecture. 

 

I have yet to set foot in a single pub...something I intend to correct very soon!

 

Until next time,

 

David