November newsletter

November 7, 2012

 "May he give you the desire of your heart, and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4.


Dear  Friends,

1/ This was our prayer for doctoral student Rebecca Dali, and we are happy to report that our Lord has graciously answered.  This past Monday, Nov. 5, Rebecca successfully defended her thesis on "The Plight of Women in Violent Conflict in Northern Nigeria (1980-2008)".  The external examiner praised her for groundbreaking work on the topic. So we also want to thank all of you who have supported us over the years that Wendy supervised Rebecca's work. Through your support you helped to make it possible for Rebecca's work to come to a successful conclusion, and equip her to better serve both the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, and the Theological College of Northern Nigerian, in Bukuru (close to Jos), where she teaches.

2/ Please give thanks with us, also, that we were able to travel at this time, and arrive safely in Jos, about a week ago. Once we heard of plans for Rebecca's oral examination on Nov.5, there were many details needing attention, especially with respect to travel arrangements and visas. We are especially grateful that we decided to travel via France; had we followed initial plans to travel to Lagos via New York, we would probably have been prevented by hurricane "Sandy", and not arrived on time for the defense! We have been warmly welcomed once again by former colleagues, and are now able to work with remaining doctoral students, and accomplish some editorial projects. Please pray for our return journey next week Wednesday, Nov.14. After a few days with our daughter Pauline and her family near Boston, we hope to be back in Toronto by Nov.19.

3/ At this time we would also ask ongoing prayer for Harro van Brummelen, executive director of CSI. We pray that, if it is the Lord's will, Harro's life may still be spared for his family and loved ones. We are grateful that chemo treatment and medications have helped to ease the pain. But these treatments do cause extreme fatigue, and we would ask your prayers for sufficient stamina for each day. Please uphold  Harro and his family before the Lord, for his never-failing care and love.