GPUC Bible Study and Community Build: 2012

Introduction

The following are contributions from people who participated last year in a very unique Bible Study experience. The Bible Study was unique for a number of different reasons. First of all it was a study of women in the Bible. Secondly we used Midrashim, i.e. stories about the Bible stories, from sources such and Lois Wilson’s children’s book, Miriam, Mary and Me to take us deeper into the meaning of the Bible. Thirdly our Bible Study was a “community build,” which is to say it was geared towards introducing newcomers and longtime members of the congregation to one another and building relationships between them. Finally, as many of our new members are new to Canada, the Bible Study was an intercultural experience.

In our Bible study we did not assume that everyone knew English. We included a time where those with strong English skills and those who were just starting to learn could work together. We also made an intentional effort to recognize the different languages and non-Canadian experiences of all the participants.

Our Bible Study was full of surprises. We were surprised at what we didn’t know about the women in our Bible. We discovered that they are exciting, insightful, courageous people. What’s more they have much wisdom for us as we navigate intercultural, interreligious and open-minded relationships in the 21^st century. We were also surprised by the energy people had to explore cultural differences in our community. There was much talk about differences in language and experience. But most of all we were surprised by one another, the people we came to know. We never could have dreamed the stories that each of us had to share!

The conclusion of the Bible Study was this effort to collect some of the stories and insights and to share them in as intercultural a way as possible. Those struggling with English got help from those more fluent to write their compositions. And those who helped with English had their stories translated into another. I hope readers will enjoy these stories in all the languages they know. I hope they will also marvel at the beauty and elegance of the scripts that are foreign to them.

Unfortunately, not everyone who participated in our Bible studies was able to share a story. Neither are all the languages of our study included. In addition to the Japanese, Nuer, Korean, Spanish, Arabic and French that were used in translation, Russian and Chinese languages were among those spoken in our group. And of course these are not all the stories we have to share about ourselves or all of the insights we gained from the women of the Bible. This little booklet contains only the fainted glimpse of what we experienced together.

In addition to these reflections on the Bible study I have included two life stories of congregation members would have touched me deeply. Both are from what is now South Sudan and both, like so many biblical women, have crossed significant religious, political and language barriers to bless our community of faith. I also included a letter written to our Affirming Ministry Committee Chair from Korea and part of a theological reflection on sexual orientation that I have been working on that was translated into Korean. I wish I could have had more people share their stories and thoughts. There are so many perspectives from which we view the world and the Bible! Korean immigrants, Japanese multinationals, Russian first and third generation Canadians, a Columbian-Chilean couple married here, a preacher and his daughter from England, foreign students, foreign workers, intercultural marriages, a Muslim from Morocco, and to top it all off, dyed-in-the-wool Saskatchewanians: Encyclopedias of stories could be written about the different people who find a place here at GPUC with all their differences of age, ability, sexual orientation, national and cultural background. It is my prayer that the seeds of understanding, relationship, and spiritual insight that were sown in our Bible Study will continue to grow to become fruit for our church, our community and our world.

It has been a privilege for me to participate in this Bible Study. And Grosvenor Park United Church in Saskatoon is such a thrill to be a part of. Thank you to all who took part in the Bible Study and especially to those who took the risk of putting their stories into print. Thank you to the women of the Bible for their brave and insightful ways. And above all, thanks be to the Spirit of diversity and hope who led and united us in this exercise.

Peace like a river, La paix comme un fleuve, 강 같은 평화, السلام كنهر, Maal Cet Ke Yiehr, Мир как река, 和平像一条河流, Peace tulad ng isang ilog, 川のような平和, Amani kama mto, ஒரு ஆறு போலவே அமைதி, la paz como un río, ఒక నది వంటి శాంతి, ایک دریا کی طرح امن, Ειρήνη σαν ένα ποτάμι, שלום כמו נהר,

Rev. David Kim-Cragg

Hannah의 기도/ Prayer of Hannah

By ChanSook Park

오래전 신을 믿기 전에도 나는 기도를 해왔던 것 같다. 아주 사소한 것에서부터 누가 가르쳐주었던 것도 아닌데 뭔가 간절하고 힘들 일이 있을 때 나도 모르게 두 손을 모았다..소풍을 갈 때 비가 안오게 해주세요라도..

기도의 힘은 대단하다. 기도를 할 때마다 나는 왠지 맘이 편안해 지고 내가 걱정하고 있는 모두가 잘 될 것 같은 예감이 든다..마치 어떤 마법에 걸린 듯한 착각이 들 정도로..그리고 혼자가 아니라는 생각이 들면서 두려움도 사라진다..신실하지도 하나님을 잘 모르는 나도 그런 맘이 들게 하는 것 보면 하나님의 사랑이 크고도 넓은 게 맞긴 맞는 것 같다..

벌써 11년 전 일이다..내가 그렇게 기도를 간절히 한 적은 없었다..우리 아이를 임신 했을 때였는데 그것이 아무리 축복이고 신비한 경험일지라도 나의 아이에 대한 걱정은 끝이 없었다..나는 매일 기도를 했다..아마 기도로 불안한 맘을 다스리지 않았다면 결코 행복하지 않았을 것이다.

어느 새 아이는 11살이 되었고, 간절한 무엇이 이루어진 이후로 나의 기도는 불성실 했다.. 그리고 난 Hannah를 만났다.

Hannah는 아이가 생기지 않아서 힘들었고 간절히 기도했다. 그녀는 하나님이 아기를 주면 하나님을 위해 일하는 사람으로 키우겠다고 약속했다. 결국 하나님은 그 기도를 들어주었고 그녀는 아이를 가질 수 있었다. 그리고 Hannah는 하나님과의 약속을 지키기 위해 아이를 성전에 보냈다.

만약 나라면 어떻게 했을까? 내가 Hannah였다면 나는 아마도 그 약속을 지키지 못햇을 것이다. 왜냐하면 너무 힘들게 얻은 자식이고 그것이 하나님의 축복으로 이루어졌다고 생각하지 않았을 것이므로. 기도는 열심히 했겠지만 기도가 이루어진 다음에는 내가 약속한 것에 대해서는 기억하지 못하고 당장에 찾아 온 행복과 기쁨을 만끽했을 것이다. 눈에 넣어도 안 아플 너무 귀한 아이를 감히 어디로 보낸다는 것은 상상할 수 없을 것이다. 그리고 나의 입장에서 생각했을 것이다. 하나님도 그 정도는 이해할 수 있을거라고.

그런데 Hannah는 하나님과의 약속을 지키기 위해서 보통의 부모라면 절대 할 수 없는 결정을 내리고 그대로 행했다. 결론적으로 보면 그 약속을 지켰기 때문이었을까? 그 이후 Hannah한테는 사무엘이후에도 아이가 계속 생겼고, 사무엘도 성경속의 큰 인물로 자리잡을 수 있었다.

Hannah의 기도를 통해 나는 믿음을 전제로 한 기도는 하나님과 사람들과의 소통이라는 것을 깨달았다. 간절히 기도한다는 것은 기도를 하면서 하나님과 함께 고민하고 대화하고 마치 나를 무조건 믿어주는 그런 대상에게 아주 솔직하게 자신을 드러내는 것과 비슷하다는 생각이 들었다. 맹목적으로 바라기만 하는 기복적인 성격의 기도가 아닌 기도. 연금술사적인 또는 조엘 오스틴 목사가 말하는 하나님만 믿으면 뭐든 이룰 수 있다는 그런 기도가 아닌 기도. 여태까지 내가 했던 기도가 아닌 기도.

이 글을 쓰면서 불현듯 내가 처음 교회를 나갔던 어떤 날이 떠올랐다. 누구에 이끌려 갔는지는 불분명하지만 즐겁게 갔던 기억. 지금 생각해보면 하나님은 내가 처음 하나님한테 인사한 순간부터 계속 나를 품고 계셨다는 생각에 미친다. 그 이후 나는 때때로 믿음에 대한 회의가 생겼고 그 때마다 하나님을 버렸었다. 순전히 내 생각이지만..그렇게 내가 계속 밀어내도 하나님은 마치 사춘기 아이를 달래듯 나를 여기까지 오게 하셨다. 요즈음 나는 가끔 찬양을 하면서 나도 모르게 눈시울을 붉힐 때가 있다. 그것은 나에게 참 어색한 경험이다. 하지만 왠지 하나님 품 안에 있는 느낌이랄까? 하나님이 나를 어루만지고 달래주는 편안한 느낌이다. 내가 지극히 속물적이고 세상적이어도 언제나 내 곁을 지켜주는 존재임을 인정하게 되는 큰 경험이다.

머나먼 타국에서 진정한 기도가 무엇인지 깨달은 것 또한 아이러니다. 이곳에서 교회를 다니고 성경공부를 하고 교제를 하고 말씀을 들으면서 함께 친해진 친구들, 목사님..언어 때문에 많이 힘들고 어려움이 있었지만 결국 Hannah까지 만날 수 있었던 이 곳. 기도에 대한 여러 생각을 하게 만든 그녀와 하나님..그리고 내가 여전히 사랑받고 있음을, 주님의 어린양임을 충분히 느낄 수 있었던 Bible Study를 나는 잊을 수 없을 것이다. 그것은 하나님과 나의 관계속에서 한 획을 긋는 사건이라고 해도 과언이 아니다. 그리고 그것은 진행중이다.

I’ve been praying even though I haven’t believed in God for a long time. Whenever I had something I earnestly needed, I prayed, folding both hands, without even realizing it. For example, If before I go on a picnic, please the rain doesn’t come.

The power of prayer is legendary.

Whenever I try to pray, I have a feeling that I am comfortable and everything of my life will be good as if I would fall under a magic. I think love of God is great and very deep.

11 years ago was a time when I prayed the hardest I ever have in my life. I prayed every day. If I didn’t pray, I never felt happy.

Now, my daughter became 10 years old. But ever since my earnest prayer came true, I didn’t pray well. And then I met Hannah.

Hannah prayed to get her baby every day. If God gives a baby to her, she promised that her baby would serve God. In the end God answered the prayer of Hannah and Hannah could have a baby. And Hannah sent her baby to serve at the church.

If I was Hannah, could I do like Hannah?

Perhaps, I won’t do like Hannah. Because I got a baby painfully, I won’t think that God gave a baby to me. I won’t remember my promise and I’ll only enjoy and be happy about things, that I got a baby. I won’t be able to imagine that I and my baby would ever separate even if I promise it. And then I’ll think I did the right behavior and I’ll console myself that the God will be able to understand me.

But to conclude, Hannah got her baby and Samuel was born.

I think that’s why Hannah kept her promise with the God.

(ChanSook translated her own Korean into English!)

Ruth

By Naomi Tamashori

モアブ人であるルツは、イスラエル人の主人が亡くなった後も姑のナオミに対する深い尊愛とイスラエルの神への固い信仰心を持っていた。未亡人になってしまったルツには少なくとも二つの選択の道があった。

そのひとつは彼女の生まれ育ったモアブに留まり家族の元に戻って、もし、彼女が望むのであれば再婚さえもできる。

しかし、ルツはすべてがモアブと違うユダへと姑のナオミと共に行く道を選んだのである。

もし、ルツがモアブに残っていたなら間違いなく少しは楽な人生を送ることができたはずだった。ルツにとってモアブは、子供のときから教わってきた宗教的な背景があり、また家族があり、住み慣れた地である。

けれども、ルツはなおみを心から愛し、そのうえ平穏な道とはかけ離れたような人生を選ぶのである。彼女の強い決心であった。

“あなたの行かれる所へ私も行き、あなたの住まれる所に私も住みます。

あなたの民は私の民、あなたの神は私の神です。’’

彼女自身が決めた選択だった。

私達は毎日の生活の中でいろんな選択をしなければいけない。

あるときは易しいこともあれば、迷いのまま決断しなければならないときもある。そんなとき私は、神様が私の人生のなかで何をなさろうとするかに焦点をおく。

私は、ルツが神様の示す方向に疑うことなく従ったと信じている。

示された道を歩み出したときのルツには、自分の将来がどのように用意されているか知ることはできなかった。ボアズに出会い、新しい家庭を築いたことで、異邦人のルツがダビデの直系の先祖になることまでは。。。。。。

Ruth, a Moabite woman is married to an Israelite. Ruth shows deep caring for Naomi and deep devotion to the God of Israel.

Ruth had a two choices.

One is to stay in her native country, Moab, and go back to her family and likely remarry. Another is to accompany her mother-in –law, Naomi, and find a new life in Judah, a foreign land to her.

If Ruth stayed in Moab, it would likely lead to an easier life.

There she had family and religious beliefs learned from childhood. But Ruth was devoted to her mother- in-law and took on the challenge of a completely different way of life. She is quite determined.

“Where you go, I will go, and where you stay , I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God is my God.”

She has made her Choice.

In my life, there are choices everyday, some are easy, some are difficult. I focus on what is God’s will for my life.

I believe that Ruth was following God’s direction in her choice. At that time of decision, she could not know her future- a husband, a son, a direct lineage to David.

The Story of My Journey

By Rev. Nathaniel Deng

My name is Nathaniel Athian Deng. I was born in South Sudan around 1986. I left South Sudan as a result of the longest civil war which did not only take 2.5 millions of innocent civilian lives, but it also brought about scarcity of schools, food, water, hospitals, and other social amenities in the marginalized southern parts of the country where my parents lived. I was separated from my parents and other family members when Arab invaders from the nearby Bortown came to our village. I left with other young people who faced the same fate. We were looking for a refuge wherever we may get it. We trekked for many miles competing with vultures and birds for wild meat and fruit. The soldiers would attack us if they saw us roaming around in the desert so we had to walk at night alongside footpaths to avoid being spotted by any passers-by. We were lucky to get a relief food lorry driver who pitied and helped us pass over the Sudan-Kenya border to Lokichoggio in April 2001.

After this tedious journey without food or water, we were happy to get to Lokichoggio and meet other people. I reported to United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Immigration office in Lokichoggio. Thereafter, I was brought to Kakuma refugee camp by a UNHCR lorry. I was given a ration card which confirmed my refugee status: prima-facie refugee. The card was also useful in the provision for my food, water, shelter, and other basic material supplies such as cooking pans and blankets. In addition, it was required for travel purposes; movements in and out of Kakuma to other parts of Kenya. The government of Kenya and UNHCR authorities might have agreed that refugees’ movement in and out of Kakuma should be minimized for their security to be maximized.

Living in Kakuma was OK for some people but very difficult for others. There were no jobs available for most people even those who had completed high school or university in their home countries. As a result, most people experienced monetary constraints. Poverty was at its highest climax point. In addition, climatic conditions were extremely frightening. Kakuma had scarcity of rain all year round. The place was a semi-desert with hot day and cold night temperatures. Kakuma was also well known for its windy and sunny days. These challenges contributed to prevalence of diseases and other poor health conditions in Kakuma. Though UNHCR and other UN Agencies catered for food and water supplies, shelter allocations and repairs, and security for the refugees, these needs were inadequate for vulnerable populations such as women, children, youth and people with disabilities.

Despite being young and living without support from the family, I faced these challenges with courage and optimism. I was determined to further my education and contribute to my community by whatever means available at my disposal. I reported to Raja refugee primary school. I successfully completed Kenya Certificate for Primary Education (KCPE) certificate in 2004. Fortunately, I did very well so I was sponsored by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in January 2005 with other few boys and girls to Kenyan high schools outside Kakuma. I was taken to Katilu secondary school where I completed Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2008 with another grade distinction.

This subsequent exceptional completion helped me secure a competitive World University Service of Canada (WUSC) scholarship based on community involvement and academic achievements. I was sponsored to go to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon by the local committee of the WUSC, in August 2010. I was happy to join the Grosvenor Park United Church congregation who have been adding smiles to my face. I have made friends and co-family members among this congregation who have proved their intercultural affinity to cross the widest social border: making friendship with the marginalized and the minority groups.

In Kakuma, I strived to contribute to the improvement of lives in the community in many ways. I took part in formation and leadership of social and religious organizations such as Jol wo Lieech Nhialic (God look back upon us) Youth Ministry, and Thiec Nhialic (Praying to God) Group/Youth Mama in the Episcopal Church of the Sudan. These local organizations were the sole comforting and healing pillars for the desperate refugees after they lost everything they had. As the names suggest, people depended on God for search for divine answers and forgiveness in those horrible times. I also exercised a two year leadership role in the Christian Unions Club in Katilu secondary school and a one year leadership role for Jol wo Lieech Nhialic youth ministry in Kakuma. I speak Kiswahili and that gave me opportunities to preach in other non-Dinka speaking churches such the Ugandan International Pentecostal Holiness Church. The church recognized these reciprocal gifts and I was ordained as an Episcopalian priest before coming to Canada by the Episcopal Church of the Sudan, Diocese of Bor. I was taken to Kapenguria to minister to the Sudanese Dinka Anglican Church after the creation of Sudanese Congregation in Kenya by the Episcopal Church of the Sudan.

I also worked as a teacher for Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Windle Trust Kenya (WTK) departments of Education. I taught Mathematics, Science and Religious Studies to class seven and class eight girls in Bar el Naam primary school. In addition, I taught these same subjects to class six, class seven, and class eight girls in Kadguli Centre for WTK Girl Child Education remedial classes. I also worked for World Food Programme by researching on and monitoring Mix-Me micronutrient powder for one-month qualitative and quantitative surveys.

After moving to Saskatoon, Canada, I have met the challenges of a new culture, environment and climate with tremendous courage. I have shared visions of contributing to the economic, social, political, religious and environmental well-being of South Sudanese and that of other neglected people in other countries in the world. I have shared leadership roles in worshipping, making announcements and participating in Christian Education committee educational events in Grosvenor Park United Church. I have mentored and helped the first year university local, national, international and immigrant students to make connections with their campus lives and direct them to their appropriate course registration and choices.

However, I have not abandoned the responsibility of communicating and connecting Jol wo Lieech Nhialic youth ministry with Canadian churches and congregations. I have been concerned about Jol wo Lieech Nhialic youth ministry and their operations since I left Kakuma.

Rizpah

By Marnie Deighton

I chose the story of Rizpah as one that really touched me and felt very significant despite the fact the she is a relatively unknown character in the Bible. I knew nothing of her before our Bible study and was impressed that it was a story chosen to study.I really like stories that illustrate the strength of the human spirit surviving or overcoming the oppression of the powerful. These stories illustrate to me how God is present in our lives.

The story is initially quite confusing partly because many foreign names and family connections are named. It is also difficult to understand why King David (who often is thought of as a great king) would do such an awful thing as to give up seven young men to be slaughtered to expiate his people’s guilt. Saul, the first king of Israel and David’s enemy, had tried to get rid of the Gibeonites ( a minority ethnic group in the Hebrew nation of Israel) and there was famine in the land. David wanted to appease the Gibeonites and this was their demand- to kill seven of Saul’s offspring. This also served to destroy any chance of Saul’s offspring taking the throne.

Rizpah was Saul’s concubine and bore 2 sons with him. Her sons were 2 of the seven handed over to the Gibeonites to be impaled. King David was content to leave the bodies of the 7 young men to rot on the mountain following their deaths. But Rizpah in her quiet protest went to the mountain and kept vigil of their bodies so that they would not suffer the indignity of being destroyed by animals. The Midrash describes how Rizpah’s circle of friends came to be by her side and to help in her healing and grieving. King David heard of Rizpah’s actions. Finally after many months of vigilance by Rizpah, David ordered the bodies be removed and buried in an honourable way.

I like this story because it speaks to me as a mother. I can identify with her sorrow and her need to hold up the lives of her sons as being important. I can’t imagine enduring that experience and she shows great perseverance and dedication to her cause. The Midrash brings in the idea of a circle of women helping her- also something that I value in my life. It is difficult to face the sorrows of life and oppression alone- then and today. In the end the patriarch learns something from this mother figure- a woman who was thought to be have little value being a concubine and widow. I like the irony in this.

I like the symbolism of the dry season followed by the renewing rains that come. Shortly after this David comes to collect the bodies to bury them honourably. I can imagine the relief of the life giving rain accompanying the relief of a mother that is finally heard.

Studying this story really brought it alive. Discussing it with those of different language and cultures confirmed that it belongs to all of us.

Elegí la historia de Rizpa porque fue una de las que más significativas para mí, a pesar de que este personaje es relativamente desconocido en la Biblia. Yo no sabía nada sobre ella antes de comenzar el estudio de la Biblia y fue impresionante para mí el que esta historia fuese elegida para este fin. Las historias que muestran la fortaleza, el espíritu de supervivencia del ser humano y de cómo el éste supera la opresión de los poderosos, son mis favoritas. Estas historias me demuestran cómo Dios está presente en nuestras vidas.

Al principio la historia de Rizpa es un poco confusa, porque se presentan muchos nombres extranjeros y vínculos familiares. También es difícil comprender por qué el rey David (quien habitualmente es considerado un gran rey) hizo cosas tan espantosas, como entregar a siete hombres jóvenes, sacrificándolos para expiar las culpas de su pueblo. Esta historia está relacionada con Saúl, quien fue el primer rey de Israel y enemigo de David. Saúl trató de deshacerse de los gabaonitas, un grupo étnico minoritario en la nación hebrea de Israel, quienes pasaban hambre. David quiso aplacar las demandas de los gabaonitas matando a siete descendientes de Saúl, acción que le servía para destruir cualquier posibilidad de que éstos heredaran el trono.

Rizpa era una concubina de Saúl y tuvo dos hijos con él. Sus hijos fueron uno de los siete jóvenes elegidos por los gabaonitas para morir empalados. El rey David autorizó dejar los cuerpos de los siete jóvenes para que se descompusieran en una montaña. Rizpa no quería que los cuerpos sufrieran la indignidad de ser destruidos por animales, entonces ella fue hasta la montaña e hizo vigilia de los cuerpos, a modo de protesta. La historia que explica el relato bíblico describe cómo el círculo de amistades de Rizpa la acompañó y ayudó a curar su dolor y duelo. El rey David oyó sobre las acciones de Rizpa y ordenó, después de muchos meses, que los cuerpos fueran removidos de la montaña y enterrados con honores.

Me gustó esta historia porque es un relato que me habla como madre. En él puedo identificar el dolor de Rizpa y su necesidad de preservar la vida de sus hijos como algo importante. No puedo imaginar cómo fue esta experiencia para ella y cómo fue capaz de perseverar y dedicarse a esta causa. La historia que explica el relato bíblico muestra cómo sus amigos la ayudaron, algo que tiene también valor en mi vida. Es difícil pasar en soledad los momentos de dolor y opresión, tanto antes como ahora. Al final, el patriarca aprendió también de esta figura de madre, una mujer que nadie pensaba que tenía algún valor, siendo una concubina y una viuda. Me gusta la ironía en esto.

Me gusta lo simbólico de la estación seca seguida por la renovación que trae la lluvia. Poco después David recoge los cuerpos y les da una honorable sepultura. Puedo imaginar el alivio de la vida trayendo la lluvia y el alivio para una madre, quien es finalmente escuchada.

El estudio de esta historia realmente trajo vida. Discutirla con otros que tienen una lengua y cultura diferente confirmó que esta historia pertenece a todos nosotros.

The Bible Study: An opportunity to learn by Silvia Bermedo

The Bible study started in October 4, 2010. Since that time it has been a great place to share with other people from the church in different ways.

It is incredible how a little time during the week allows me to learn more about women in the Bible, share my life with other people and acquire new skills to manage the English language.

One of my favorite Bible stories was Hagar´s story. She was a slave who had a child with Abraham before Abraham had his own offspring with his wife, Sarah. Sarah was jealous of Hagar´s child and ordered Abraham to cast out Hagar and her son. Abraham obeyed Sarah because God told him that Hagar’s son would also grow up to be a great leader. At the end, this boy called Ishmael became an expert with the bow and he was a leader of another nation. I really like this story because I realized that God never abandons His people and he is always along with us although we do not realize it.

Also, the Bible study gave me the possibility to share with my classmates and know more about their lives. Thanks to this experience I found new friends and very spiritual people from whom I am learning every time.

El estudio de la Biblia: Una oportunidad para aprender

por Silvia Bermedo

El estudio de la Biblia comenzó el 4 de Octubre de 2010. Desde ese momento éste ha sido un estupendo lugar para compartir con otras personas de la iglesia en diferentes maneras. Es increíble cómo un pequeño tiempo dedicado a esta actividad durante la semana me permitió aprender más sobre las mujeres de la Biblia, además de compartir mi vida con otras personas y adquirir nuevas destrezas para manejar el inglés.

Una de mis historias favoritas de la Biblia fue la de Agar. Ella era una esclava que tuvo un hijo con Abraham antes de que éste tuviera su propia descendencia con Sara, su esposa. Sara estaba celosa del hijo de Agar y ordenó a Abraham expulsarla a ella y a su hijo. Abraham obedeció a Sara porque Dios le dijo que el hijo de Agar crecería y llegaría a ser un gran líder. Al final, el niño llamado Ismael llegó a ser un experto en el arco y fue el líder de otra nación.

Realmente me gustó esta historia porque me di cuenta que Dios nunca abandona a Su gente and Él siempre está a nuestro lado aunque no nos demos cuenta.

También el estudio de la Biblia me dio la posibilidad de compartir con mis compañeros y conocer más sobre sus vidas. Gracias a esta experiencia encontré nuevos amigos y personas muy espirituales, de quienes estoy aprendiendo todo el tiempo.

Deborah

by Jacqueline Kurmey

Deborah is said to be a prophet and a leader of Israel. She claims that the Lord gave a message for the Israelites to gather together an army to fight the Canaanites, which they did.
Deborah settled legal cases so I assume she was well respected. She probably lived in peace until the message for the Israelites came from the Lord, which she passed along. Other people may have kept that message to themselves and I wonder if she considered that possibility. She must have realized that a war was going to be very unpleasant.
My mum was a kind and gentle person. If we argued at home her index finger would come up and point to us, wiggling a bit, and she'd say 'be nice!' Some people feel that a finger pointing to another person leaves three other fingers pointing back at you means that whatever you expect of others you should be prepared to do yourself. My mother lived the life she expected us to lead.
I do not like war. Sometimes, though, there is no choice but to fight in a war and my mum's attitude would have been ignored, especially by someone like Hitler. Maybe Deborah had no choice, either. She passed on the Lord's message, hopefully having prayed (the Bible does not say she prayed) that she was following the Lord's will and doing the best thing for the Israelites. So many people died that day and it was totally unnecessary if everyone could have respected and loved one another as our Lord wants us to do.
Later Deborah talks about another message from the Lord telling Barak it was time to defeat Sisera and that the Lord had already gone to fight for Barak. At that time in history, people believed that the Lord knew everything they were doing and helped them to do it. I believe that God gave us brains so we can make our own decisions. Sometimes, when God sends us a message we can choose to listen or not. I know our daily prayers will help us to be closer to God so we can hear these messages.
Max Lucado wrote a book called JUST LIKE JESUS. I like it because it teaches us that we can work towards being just like Jesus. We can learn to love one another as brothers and sisters, treating each other with respect. We can learn to pray for one another and help each other to be the best we can be. Just as the Bible says we should do. The day we all do those things is the day that all wars will end.
THAT, I will like a lot!

Se dice que Débora es una profeta y una líder de Israel. Ella afirma que el Señor le dio un mensaje para los israelitas: Juntar un ejército para combatir a los cananeos, cosa que ellos hicieron.

Débora resolvió casos legales, así que yo asumo que ella era respetada. Ella probablemente vivió en paz hasta que recibió el mensaje del Señor, el cual ella siguió. Otra gente pudo haber mantenido el mensaje para ellos mismos y yo me pregunto si ella consideró esa posibilidad. Ella se debió dar cuenta que una guerra sería muy desagradable.

Mi madre fue una persona amable y gentil. Podríamos decir que si su dedo índice nos apuntaba y se movía ella probablemente quería decir “¡sé bondadoso!”. Algunas personas creen que cuando alguien apunta con un dedo a otras personas, este individuo deja otros tres dedos apuntando hacia sí mismo, lo cual significa que cualquier cosa que uno espere de otros se debe estar preparado para hacer primero por uno mismo. Mi mamá vivió la vida de una forma, esperando que nosotros siguiéramos sus pasos.
A mí no me gusta la guerra. Algunas veces, sin embargo, no hay elección que pelear en una guerra y la actitud de mi mamá podría ser ignorada, especialmente por alguien como Hitler. Quizás Débora tampoco tuvo opción. Ella transmitió el mensaje del Señor, confiando en su oración (la Biblia no dice que ella oró), porque ella estaba siguiendo la voluntad del Señor y haciendo lo mejor para los israelitas. Muchas personas murieron ese día y fue totalmente innecesario si cada uno se hubiera respetado y amado como el Señor quiere que lo hagamos.
Más tarde Débora habla sobre otro mensaje que recibió del Señor diciéndole a Barak que era tiempo de vencer a Sísara y que el Señor había ya ido a luchar por Barak. En ese momento de la historia, la gente creía que el Señor conocía todo lo que ellos hacían y que los ayudaba a hacerlo. Yo creo que Dios nos dio cerebros, así que nosotros podemos tomar nuestras propias decisiones. Algunas veces, cuando Dios nos envía un mensaje, nosotros podemos elegir escucharlo o no. Nuestras plegarias diarias nos ayudan a estar más cerca de Dios, así que podemos escuchar esos mensajes.
Max Lucado escribió un libro llamado ASÍ COMO JESÚS. A mí me gusta porque nos enseña que podemos trabajar para ser como Jesús. Nosotros podemos aprender a amarnos unos a otros como hermanos y hermanas, tratándonos unos a otros con respeto. Podemos aprender a rezar unos por otros y ayudarnos unos con otros para ser mejor de lo que somos. Así como dice la Biblia que deberíamos hacer. El día en que todos hagamos esas cosas será el día del fin de todas las guerras.

Eve – Original Woman

(My Story Re: why she is important)

By Faye Kernan.

Although currently we’ve been made aware that more than two sexes exist in the human species, generally it is accepted that God’s original woman, Eve, represents “the other half” of human creation. Hence, for this reason and others, Eve has universal appeal. My interest in her, however, is based more on the negative effects of misinterpreting her creation story specifically and biblical stories generally.I believe it is human nature to be curious (even obsessed) about one’s origin and countless people throughout the ages have looked to the Bible for their answer. Yet in the Bible there are two creation stories which differ in many respects, most seriously in their accounts of Eve’s creation. In Genesis 1:1-2:4a, we’re told that God created Adam – the human species, both male and female; and in Genesis 2:4b-3:24, we’re told that God created Eve out of Adam’s rib. The first account implies equal partnership between Adam and Eve; the second implies Eve’s subservience to Adam.

Personally, I’ve long had an aversion to the second account because of its underlying implication which, in patriarchal cultures like outs, has endorsed (often created and encouraged) male domination, subordination, and abuse of women.

Although it was not the sole reason, this story about Eve was “the faith reason” why daughters (not sons!) of my mother’s background and generation were not allowed to attend school! This paternally enforced “illiteracy abuse” caused lifelong unhappiness, bitterness, and resentment in my mother and her two sisters. And it made a huge impression on me, as a child – unable to understand why my mom could not speak English; and as an adult – aching with mature awareness of the agony of her life as a “mentally imprisoned intelligent illiterate.”

Mom’s dad (of Doukhobor faith) believed that, not only was education for women useless, but also and especially it perpetuated the sins of Eve who ate the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge and induced Adam to follow! What tragic irony that my grandfather’s belief that it was his “Christian duty” to save his daughters from “the evil of Knowledge” was precisely what blinded him to “the evil of illiteracy abuse” he imposed on them!

Thank you, Rev David, for a most enjoyable and otherwise important Bible Study experience. Blessings,

المتفق عليه عموما ان المرأة الاصلية التي خلقها الله تمثل " النصف الاخر" من خلق الانسان وبالتالي ولهدا السبب ولأسباب أخرى، حواء لها إغراء شامل واهتمامي بقصتها مبني على إساءة تفسير شخصيتها في قصة خلقها على وجه التحديد وفي قصص الكتاب المقدس عموما.

وأعتقد أن من طبيعة الانسان أن يكون فضولي حتى مهووس حول أصل واحد وعدد لايحصى من الناس على مر العصور وقد اعتمدو على الكتاب المقدس للوصول للاجابات .بعد في الكتاب المقدس توجد قصتين للخلق مختلفة من نواحي متعددة كان اهمها في حساباتهم في خلف حواء. في سفر التكوين 1:1-2 4a يقال ان الله خلق ادم ) للجنس البشري سواء من الذكور او الاناث . وفي سفر التكوين 3-3:24 – 02 :04 يقال لنا أن الله خلق حواء من ضلع الرجل الحساب الله يعني شراكة متكافئة بين ادم وحواء والثاني يعني خضوع حواء لادم.شخصيا لا أتفق من الحساب الثاني بسبب أثاره السلبية في الثقافات الابوية مثل عموميات, وقد أيدت { وفي كثير من الاحيان أنشأت وشجعت } هيمنة الرجل والتبعية وإساءة معاملة المرأة.

على الرغم من أنه لم يكن السبب الوحيد, قصة حواء كانت " سبب الايمان " لماذا البنات وليس الاولاد , من منضور أمي وجيلها لم يسمح لهم بالدهاب للمدرسة, هدا القصر الابوي شجع في تفاقم الامية وسبب في تعاسة مدى الحياة والمرارة وفي استياء والدتي واخواتها الاثنين كما ترك انطباعا كبيرا في نفسيتي كطفل ,لم أفهم وقتها لماذا أمي لا تتحدث اللغة اانجليزية وكشخص ناضج , متؤلم مع وعي ناضج لمعاناتها خلال حياتها ( سحينة ذكاء وامية ) يعتقد والد أمي ( العقيدة الذكورية ) ليس فقط بعدم اهمية تعليم المرأة ولكن أيضا تكرس خطايا عشية الدين يتناولون الفاكهة المحرمة من شجرة المعرفة وحتهم على اتباع ادم , المفارقة المأسوية التي يعتقد بها جدي بان واجبه الدين المسيحي هو إنقاد بناته من شر المعرفة " هو بالضبط ما أعماه في شر" الاعتدا الامية " التي فرضها عليها

Hagar

By Sarah Tut

God has used various ways of trying to get our attention throughout times. Hagar’s Bible story was the most special thing that got my attention so quickly. For some reason, Hagar was Egyptian woman who was a slave in the household of Sarah and Abraham.

However Sarah, Abraham’s wife, because she cannot have a child, she decided to offer her slave Hagar to her husband as a surrogate. Hagar would bear the child, but it would belong to Sarah and her husband Abraham. A Couple of year later, Sarah and Hagar had a fight over their husband. It seems that Hagar’s new owner was Abraham because Sarah could not conceive a child. In that case, Hagar and her son had been driven out of the house. (Genesis21.15).They walked alone in the desert without food or water. Then God saved her and her Son .God gave them water. When I think about Hagar’s suffering, pain and all kinds of challenges she faced, I realize that we cannot have happiness without sadness or joy without pain. Hagar was a good woman, but she got hurt for the same reason that many good women today are wounded and hurt in relationships. At the end, Hagar became a free woman, no longer was she as slave. She had peace and joy in her life that she never had before. Then God blessed her and her son. They made a great nation. Our God will lead those who believe, accept God and trust, and love Gog’s. I thank you Lord for your love. I also, thank you so much Rev-David Kim-Cragg for volunteering your time to help us with the lovely Bible study.

Kuoth cɛ dup ti ŋuan ɣɔ̱n kɛ lätni ti göörɛ ni ɣöö dënɛ jɛ ŋäc.

Ruac in ca lat kä Baibol tuk cäkä ɣɔaa kɛ kuic ɣagɛr cɛ we lɔɔcdä nikɛ pɛth.Kä kɛ thaaŋ guäthni, ɣägɛr jɛn ɛ ciek Ijipt mi la kuany/ kä läät dhɔar thɛrɛ kɛnɛ cɔudɛ ni Abräɣäm.Kä mee ci Thɛrɛ min lap ciek Abräɣäm jɛ ŋäc ɛn ɣöö cɛ lɛ ŋuot kɛ dap/ cuɛ jɛ gör ɛn ɣöö ba jɛ däp gaat ɛ jäŋdɛ ni ɣägɛr.Ɣägɛr bɛ dap kɛ gaat/ kä kɛn gaat ɛtɔ bikɛ a gaat Thɛrɛ kɛnɛ cɔudɛ ni Abräɣäm.Kä kɛ kɔr runi/ cu nyäk tuɔɔk kam Thɛrɛ kɛnɛ Hägɛr/kɛn tɛrkɛ wut in lap Abräɣäm.Jɛn cetɛ kɛ mi ŋäc Ɣägɛr jɛ ɛn ɣöö ɛ jɛn tekɛ cɔuɔ kɛ ɣöö Thɛre cɛ lɛ ŋuot kɛ dap.Kɛ kuic ɛmɔ/ cuɔ Ɣägɛr kɛnɛ gatdɛ juɔc raar cieŋ( biɛ jek ɛn ruac ɛmɛ kä Tuk Cäkä Ɣɔa ciöökä 21:15).Cu Hägɛr kɛnɛ gat jäl rɛydɔar guääth mi thil kuän kiɛ pi. Cu kuoth nhial ɛ kän kɛnɛ gatdɛ.Kuoth cue Ɣägɛr kɛnɛ gatdɛ moc pi.Ɣän mee cä cär kɛ cuɔc in ci cuuc kɛ Ɣägɛr kɛnɛ bɛɛc bɛɛc tin ci tuɔkä jɛ/ cuä jɛ ŋäc ɛgɔa ɛn ɣöö canɛ bi tekɛ tɛthlɔac mi thil jiathlɔac/ kiɛ tɛth lɔac mi thil bɛc bɛɛc.Ɣägɛr ɛ ciek mi gɔa/jɛn cɛ ciɛŋ ti jiäk jek rɛy teekädɛ/ cɛ ti ŋuan rut/kɛ kuic ɛmɔ teekɛ män ti gɔu ɛntämɛ ti caa moc buɔɔt/ kä ca yak kɛ tää kɛɛl.Kɛ guutdɛ cuu Ɣägɛr ben cieŋ ɛla ciek mi tekɛ ciaŋdɛ min luotni ɣöö cɛ lɛ ŋuot ɛla pɛc/ kiɛ kuany.Cɛ ciaŋ malä kɛnɛ ciaŋ tɛɛthä lɔac mi thil ni wen jek.Ci kuoth ɛ moc puoth kɛnɛ gatdɛ.Kɛn ci kuoth kɛ jak kä wec midiit. Kuoth la böthɛ nɛi ti ŋääth jɛ/ kɛ tin nhɔak jɛ/kɛnɛ tin luɔth jɛ.Ɣän lärä ji tɛthlɔac jin kuoth kɛ kui nhökädu.Kɛ min dɔŋ/ lärä ji tɛthlɔac jin päthtɔr Dɛibid Kim kɛ kuic ŋiicädu kɛ kɔ kɛn jɛn Baibol ɛ gɔa ɛmɛ.

Love to Share

By HunChul Park

예수님은 항상 제일 처음으로 약한사람들을 사랑하고 생각하신다. 이 이야기는 그것을 행하는 예수님의 아주 작은 부분을 보여주는 한 예라고 나는 생각한다. 내가 교회에 다니고 믿음을 가지게 된 것은 다른 어떤 것보다도 예수님의 이런 사랑때문이었다. 누구에게나 골고루 나눠줄 수 있는 사랑.

그 존재가 아무리 미약할 지라도.그것은 또한 나의 삶의 고민중 하나이다. 왜냐하면 머리와 가슴이 어떤 상황에서는 다르게 움직이는 나 자신을 느끼기 때문이다. 때로는 어떤 선입견으로 사람을 대하고 때로는 여러가지 이유로 모두를 사랑하지 못하므로.사실 작년에 성경공부를 시작하게 된 것은 영어도 공부하고 교회분들과의 교제를 통해서 이곳분들의 문화를 체험하기 위한 것이었는데 곱사등이 여인의 등장으로 새삼 잊고 살았던 나의 신념을 돌아볼 수 있었다. 그리고 내가 어떻게 살아야하는지도 새삼 깨닫게 되었다.

The Jesus has always considered and loved weak people first of all. I think the story of the bent old woman is a example of Jesus’s love. Above all, I have attended my church since I came here and have believed in Jesus. I believe in Jesus because he loves like that. It is love to share for everyone even though someone doesn’t have any power and any presence. I realized how I should live from now thanks to this Bible Study.

Sarah and Hagar

By Bouchra Nafiy

It was difficult to choose between Sarah and Hager as they are both Strong and both challenged such a faith and their stories are found in the same scenario in Genesis. So we can see that Sarah and Hagar were women within a patriarchal society who were both exploited and oppressed.

But Hagar experienced a more complex kind of discrimination for she was the victim of sexual, caste, social as well as national or racial discrimination.

Sarah belonged to the privileged class in society who stood with her husband as a loyal wife. she loved her husband and in order to fulfil her husband wish to have child, she offered him her slave Hagar , Sarah became the oppressor of Hagar. Hagar was a sacrifice, a victim, who, being powerless, was used and then cast away. She was used by a man as a sexual object and by a woman as a mere instrument. She is indeed the symbol of all oppressed women in society today. She is like the working women who are subjected to sexual discrimination in factories and other work places. She is also among the women who are being exploited by other women in the upper classes of society. I believe that Hagar in this passage appears to us as a theological challenge. She challenges and creates faith in many different ways.

In conclusion, women are a source of sacrifice, endurance and unconditional love no matter what their religion, race or financial condition is. In my case I scarified a lot in my life and I am still, my first sacrifice when I had to leave my family at the age of 20 year old to different country it was my first challenge as didn’t have anyone there no relative , no friends, yes went to Dubai to find a good job and provide better life to my family and the list of sacrifice still long.

كان من الصعب أن أختار بين سارة وهاجر حيث كلاهما تميزتا بالقوى والتحدى والاثنين يوجدان في نفس السيناريو.هكذا يمكننا أن نرى أن سارة وهاجر من النساء اللواتي كافحن ضد الظلم والاستغلال والاضطهاد. لكن هاجر شهدت نوعا من التمييز أكثر تعقيدا لأنها كانت ضحية الاستغلال الجنسي و التمييز الطبقي والاجتماعي بالاضافة الى التمييز القومي و العنصري. سارة تنتمي إلى الطبقة الاروستقراطية من المجتمع التي وقفت مع زوجها كمثل الزوجة مخلصة و حبها القوي لزوجها دفعها ان تعرض جاريتها هاجرله لتنجب له طفل وتحقيق له امنية ان يكون ابا ، فسارة أصبحت الظالمة لهاجر. كانت هاجر المضحية والضحية ، التي لا قوة لها حيث استخدمت وألقيت بعيدا. أستخدمت هاجر من قبل رجل ككائن الجنسي وامرأة باعتبارها مجرد أداة. انها حقا رمزا لجميع النساء المظلومات في المجتمع اليوم. انها مثل النساء العاملات اللواتي يتعرضن للتمييز الجنسي في المصانع وأماكن العمل الأخرى. وهي أيضا من بين النساء اللواتي تعرضن للاستغلال من قبل النساء الأخريات من الطبقات العليا من المجتمع. وأعتقد أن هاجر في هذا المقطع تبدو لنا بمثابة المتحدية لاهوتية. وفي الختام ، المرأة تعتبر مصدر التضحية والتحمل و الحب الغير المشروط بعظ النظر عن الديانة أو العرق أو المستوى الاجتماعي.في حالتي لقد قدمت تضحيات كثيرة في حياتي ولازلت اضحي من اجل الاخرين, كانت اول تضحية أقدمهما في حياتي عندما قررت ان ترك عائلتي في سن ال 20 عاما إلى بلد آخر لا أعرف احدا هناك ولا يوجد اي أقارب او أصدقاء , نعم ذهبت إلى دبي للشغل واشتغلت جاهدة لتوفير حياة أفضل لعائلتي وقائمة طويلة من التضحيات حتى الآن.

بشرى

Naomi and Ruth

By Lila Henderson

Naomi, dans le livre de Ruth, s’est présentée la femme d’Élimilech, de la maison d’Israel, qui est allée avec sa famille de deux garçons au pays de Moab a cause de la famine dans leur patrie, Judah. Ce serait difficile pour son mari pour lutter dans une terre sèche ou voyager, probablement quarante milles, a un pays étranger chercher le travail et nourrir sa famille. Ce serait difficile pour Naomi aussi, en voyant ses amis meurent de faim. Mais, la voila, une femme déplacée, hors de sa zone de confort and de son structure de conviction. Je m’identifie avec une femme qui n’a pas de choix.

Son prochain malheur était la mort de son mari. Ses deux fils, maintenant épouses aux femmes locales, ont pris la responsabilité de soigner leur mère. Une autre tragédie a suivi quand les fils sont morts, tous les deux . Nous lisons de Naomi, une veuve avec deux belles-sœurs, Orpah et Ruth, veuves aussi. Ces sont toutes sans un moyen de soutien. Je ne suis pas surprise que Naomi est devenue amère dans cet état impuissant.

Elle entend qu’il y avait de la nourriture encore au Judah. Sa décision d’y retourner a semble mieux qu’échouer dans un pays étranger. C’était sa décision. Elle a dit a ses belles-sœurs, les deux Moabites, de rester dans leur pays natal. Peut-être elles peuvent retourner a leurs mères, et remarier. Le mariage était le seul moyen de soutien. La loi dit que le prochain fils doit épouser la veuve, mais il n’y avait plus de frères. Naomi, a cru qu’a son âge, qu’elle n’épouserait pas encore et n’aurait pas certainement des petits garçons pour épouser Orpah et Ruth. Elle ne les a pas demande de venir avec elle, trouver un mari et soigner une belle-mère assez âgée. Une femme, pleine de larmes, décide de rester au Moab pendant l’autre a choisi d’accompagner Naomi. Ces dames ont fait leurs choix.

Au Judah, Naomi a appris de la bienveillance du propriétaire de terre, Boaz, qui est de la famille de son mari, vers Ruth qui glanait du graine avec les autres pauvres. Il semblait que Boaz l’a remarquée. Ruth était une travailleuse diligentes. Boaz a apprécie le soin et l’amour que Ruth donnait a Naomi. Connaissant de la loi de responsabilité maritaux et la richesse de Boaz, Naomi était directe, probablement même astucieux, dans son projet pour obtenir un bon mari pour Ruth et un ticket-repas for elle-même.

Exactement ce qui s’est passé la nuit sur le plancher ne m’intéresse pas. Naomi a gagne le succès. Elle bénit son Dieu pour son bonté pour aider sa Ruth bien-aimée, pour perpétuer le nom de la famille, la bénir avec un petit-fils, et jouir une vie pleine dans sa patrie.

Naomi, in the Book of Ruth, is introduced as the wife of Elimelech, of the house of Israel, who went with the family to the country of Moab because of famine in their own, Judah. It would be a difficult situation for the husband to struggle in a dry land or travel, probably 40 miles, to a foreign country where he could find work. It would be difficult, too, for Naomi, seeing her friends starving to death. There she is, a displaced woman, out of her comfort zone and belief structure. I empathize with a woman who really had no choice.

Her next misfortune was the death of her husband. Her two sons, now married to local women, took their responsibility of caring for their mother. Tragedy followed as both sons died, leaving Naomi a widow with two widowed daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth, all without mean of support. It is no surprise to me that she became bitter in the helpless state in which she found herself. Hearing that there was now food in Judah, her decision to return to her homeland seemed better than failing in a strange land. It was her decision. She suggested that her daughters-in-law, both Moabites, stay in their native country, go back to their mothers and likely re-marry. Marriage was the only means of support. The law read that the next son would marry the widow, but there were no more sons and Naomi sensibly believed that in her advancing years she will not marry again and certainly not have baby boys to marry either Orpah or Ruth. She did not entreat them to come with her and find a new life in Judah, a foreign land to them, and find a new man and thus look after her. One woman tearfully stayed in Moab and the other determined to accompany Naomi. Those women made a choice.

Naomi learned of the kindness of the land owner, Boaz, of the family of Elimelech that was extended to her daughter-in-law, Ruth, as she gleaned grain with the other poor. It seemed Boaz noticed her and questioned his servant about her. Ruth was a hard worker. Boaz appreciated the love and care Ruth gave her mother-in-law. Being alert to the law of kinsmen marital responsibility and Boaz’s wealth, Naomi was forthright in her plan to get a good husband for Ruth and a meal ticket for herself.

Exactly what happened that night on the winnowing floor is not my concern. Naomi was successful and blessed in trusting her God to help her and her beloved, Ruth, to perpetuate the family name, bless her with at least one grandson and have a full life in her own country.

Martha and Mary

By Dawn Weber

I chose both of these women because they are sisters and their actions go hand in hand.

Martha was such a terrible worry wart. She worried if the bathroom was clean. She worried if there were crumbs on the floor beneath the table. She worried if the table shone and the dishes gleamed. Then she worried some more. She worried if the food she served would be tasty enough for her guests.

When Jesus and his entourage were visiting Martha, Mary and Lazarus, we find Martha bustling around trying to complete her tasks as well as Mary's tasks. She wanted everything perfect for her special guests.

On the other hand, Mary was sitting on the floor by Jesus' feet and listening to his stories about what was to come. She was relaxing and being a good hostess by listening attentively to all of the guests and learning about the world around her and what her job was in the world.

Martha became resentful and asked Jesus to send Mary into the kitchen to help her.

Jesus' words to Martha were that Mary was doing her job and that Martha should sit down, relax and listen to the conversation. Everything looked perfect and the food tasted great.

I feel now as then, women are judged by what they do and how they manage their jobs, raise their children, help in the community and oh, yes, keep their house.

I know that I am a Martha. Ask anyone around me -- always in a state of panic. If someone should drop in, what do they think of my housekeeping skills or do I have something to feed them? I cannot relax until I do a quick check.

Yet, when I visit someone, I do not look to see how they keep their house.

Sometimes I can be a Mary and relax. This is happens when I have plenty of notice that company is coming. I get my housework done before they come as well as prepare food ahead of time but I am still a Martha in getting it done.

Martha or Mary? I am a Martha but trying hard to be a Mary.

Märtha kɛnɛ Mɛri

Ɣän cä män ɛti nhɔk ɛn ɣöö bä ruac kɛ kuidiɛn kɛ ɣöö kɛ nyier raam kɛl kä we lätkiɛn kɛɛl. Märtha ɛ ciek mi gua̱n diirä mi di̱i̱t ɛlo̱ŋ.Jɛn la diɛɛrɛ ɛlo̱ŋ mi duel coowni puɔthɛ.Jɛn la diɛɛrɛ ɛlo̱ŋ mi tëëkɛ ti ci pɛn piny thaar tharbetkä.Jɛn la diɛɛrɛ mi /ci tharbët puɔth /kä ci thänkɛ puɔth ɛlo̱ŋ.Jɛn cue ŋuot diɛɛrɛ ɛlo̱ŋ. Jɛn diɛɛrɛ mi kuän in kämɛ ja̱a̱lkɛ comɛ ɛlo̱ŋ.

Mëë ci̱ jithɛth kɛnɛ ji̱ kɔarɛ jɛ riali̱kä ɛn ɣöö ba ma̱rtha kɛnɛ mɛri kɛ ladhɛrɛth we gui̱l. cu kɛn ma̱rtha jek yia̱nɛ ɛlo̱ŋ go̱o̱rɛ ɣöö bɛ la̱tdɛ thuuk cetkɛ mɛri. Jɛn go̱o̱rɛ jɛ nyinkɛ bi kɛ gɔw kɛ kui̱ ja̱a̱li kɛ.

Kɛ gua̱a̱th, Mɛri nyuurɛ piny gekä ciökni Jithɛth liŋɛ ŋi̱i̱cdɛ kɛ tin bi ben. Jɛn cuë rɔ pa̱lpiny kä jakɛ rɔ kä li̱i̱ŋ mi gɔa rɛy ja̱a̱li diaal kɛ kui̱ wii̱muɔ̱ɔ̱n kɛnɛ tin dial tin te gekä dɛ kä kɛ la̱tdɛ wi̱i̱muɔ̱ɔ̱n.

Märtha cɛ gaak/kä cue ji̱thɛth thiec kɛ ɣöö derɛ Mɛri̱ jäkä jɛ guääth thät kɛ ɣöö derɛ jɛ luäk.

Kä cu Jithɛth wee/ Mɛri lätɛ lätdɛ jin puɔnydu jin Märtha nyuri kɛ pälpiny kä liŋ ruaacni tin latkɛ.Cu ŋɔak dial we a gɔa kɛnɛ mith mi com ɛ gɔa.

Täämɛ män kua kɛ luk kɛ lätkiɛn kɛnɛ ciaŋ in lät kɛnɛ ni lät/kɛ ciaŋ in yiɛn kɛnɛ gaatkiɛn/kɛ luäk in käm kɛnɛ naath rɛy ciëëŋni kɛnɛ ciaŋ lätnikiɛn dhöri̱kiɛn.Ɣän pa̱ny cetä kɛ Meri/lap ɣän a diɛɛr ɛ lo̱ŋ mi ci jäl ben gua̱th in ta̱a̱ thin/ kɛ ɣöö diɛrä kɛ min bɛ lar kɛ kuic guäth in tää thin / kä diɛrä bä kɛ min bä käm jɛ/ ɣän cä de met nyuur amäni mi cä ŋa̱c ɛn ɣöö tëëkɛ mi te thi̱n kɛ kui̱dɛ.Ɣän /cä gui̱c mi cä we dhɔr ran/cä gui̱c kɛ ciaŋ in tekɛ kuak ran cieŋdɛ.Ɣän cetä kɛ Mɛri/lap ɣän rɔ a pälpiny mi thilɛ mi la̱tä/lap ɣän a lät ɛlo̱ŋ kɛ gua̱a̱th in ca ɣä gɔ̱a̱r wargak ɛn ɣöö bi naath ben guil dhɔrä. Ɣän bä duelä rialikä a ken naath ni cop gua̱a̱th in ta̱a̱ thi̱n/ ɣän bä kuän rialikä a ŋuotɛ kenkɛ ni ben/ jɛn bä cetä kɛ Meri la nyinkä a la̱tä kɛ pɛ̈th. Märtha kiɛ Mɛri? ɛ ɣän Märtha kua̱ lät ɛlo̱ŋ kɛ ɣöö dee ɣän ɛ Mɛri.

Sarah’s Story

My name is Sarah (Nyanhial) and I was born in Maiwut County, which is on the east upper Nile in South Sudan. I was baptized with the name Sarah. My family and the minister who came to my village to baptize people there picked the name for me. I come from the Nuer Tribe and Nuer is my first language that I speak. The Maiwut area suffered from years of war and illiteracy. During the fights to liberate Sudan my village suffered a lot.

In 1992, when I was about 8 years old my mother took my older sister, my baby brother and me to a refugee camp in Ethiopia. My mother took us to the refugee camp in Ethiopia because of the war in Sudan. The soldiers destroyed our village. They took our livestock and ruined our crops. On top of starvation, Typhoid wiped out many villagers. Young children and adults died of hunger and disease. Because of this my mother made her decision to take us to the camp in Ethiopia where we might be safe.

The trip to the camp was the most frightening trip that I have ever experienced. It was in March, the hottest month in Sudan. The sun was very hot. I had trouble keeping up because the road was so hot and sharp with rocks and I only had bare feet. We walked for many weeks travelling with more than a hundred people. We followed a path through the jungle and over the mountains in order to cross the Ethiopian border. My mother carried my brother and a water gourd, nothing else. We walked for several weeks without food. The only food we had was when we found sour Tamarinds and Sun Dates. Every time we took a rest we went into the bush to hunt for fruit to eat. It was scary as there were many wild animals that could attack us. Sometimes we would get separated from the big group because my mother would stop and feed my baby brother. She would say that if the animals got her, we were to keep on walking on the trail until we got to the camp. My brother cried a lot on the journey. The mosquitoes bothered him at night. Every day we walked, we began walking in the early evening and walked until very early in the morning. We did this so we would miss the hottest part of the day. Our trip to Gambela took about two weeks I think.

When we got to the United Nations Registration Centre in Gambela, Ethiopia the UN worker told us that we would have to go to Etang Camp. He told us that is where we would get our names registered. When I heard that I had to walk again for more than three days I felt very helpless, confused and afraid. But I had no choice.

In the evening people started to walk to Etang Camp. More that two hundred people got their names registered as refugees at Etang. Two weeks after we were registered, the UN workers came along with four pick up trucks to take us to the camp we were assigned to which was called Sapera. The trucks were not big enough for everyone to get a seat. There was no order, everybody fought to get on the trucks. The walk to Sapera was another three-day. No one wanted to walk that long again. My mother couldn’t fight for us to get in the truck because she was carrying my brother and holding onto my sister and me. My mother asked one of the drivers if we could get in. The driver said he couldn’t do anything if we didn’t find a place to sit. Then my mother said to him please take my two girls. I am begging you please; my little girls do not have the strength to walk, they might not make it to the next camp. The driver then grabbed my sister and me and threw us on top of the people in the back of the truck. My sister and I got to ride to the camp but we left my mother and brother behind. There was no place for us to sit and the trip was hard. The driver was driving very fast and the people were bumping and hurting each other. People had diarrhea from eating too much sour Tamarind and vomiting from the bumpy trip. The trip was not easy but at least we did not have to walk. My mother and brother walked and they met us in camp. We stayed with some people from our village until they got there.

The United Nations, dedicated to looking after refugees, gave us food each month. We got one cup of rice, corn or wheat for each person. There was not enough food to last a month and often the food was late coming. At this time we were suffering a lot because we did not have enough clean water to drink or food to eat. My mother sold her necklaces that she had to the local people. Sometimes they traded with corn or squash. My mother was a very stylish woman and she had a lot of jewelry that she wore. Her jewelry saved us from starvation.

We were in the camp for about two months when my brother got sick. He got an infection from mosquitoes called malaria. Every day I was worried. I thought he might die. There were no doctors in the camp. My brother was very sick with diarrhea and he had an itchy rash all over his body. One day my mother heard about the Red Cross Clinics. There was one located in a small town about eight hours away from the camp. We did not have any money to buy food in the town. My mother started to collect firewood and sell it to the Ethiopian People. When she saved some money we went to the town with the Red Cross Clinic. We hoped that there might be a chance for my brother to get some medicine to make him better. In the town we stayed with some people we knew from our village in Sudan. Every morning at five O’clock we went and sat outside the front of the clinic. People had to line up every day hoping that they might get in. Many people stayed months in the clinic before getting better.

One day the leader of the clinic came outside to see who might need to see the doctors. He looked at my brother and then he looked at me sitting sadly and feeling so helpless. Then he shook his head and he opened the door. He said follow me. We all went with him. The workers said to my mother that they were keeping my brother but that my sister and I couldn’t stay because we were not sick. My mother begged for us to stay but they didn’t care. My mother was crying. She needed to stay with my brother but she didn’t know what to do with her girls. My sister was about eleven years old at the time and she told my mother not to worry she would go back to the camp with me. My sister carried water and traded it for food while she looked for a way back to the camp for us. It took my sister about three weeks to find someone to walk with us back to the camp. It was not safe for us to travel alone; other tribes would attack and hurt us. Also the monkeys would attack us and hit us with wood. I was very scared of the monkeys! My mother and brother were in the hospital for about four months. When the doctors said my brother was well enough to go home they walked back to the camp. We were very happy to see them. My little brother was “chubby” and smiling. It was important for us to have a brother – they protect their sisters.

In 1994 I moved from Sapera to another camp called Fugnido. I stayed in Fugnido for the next ten years. It was here that I was married in an arranged marriage. My memories of the camp are sad and difficult. Girls were unable to attend school; women were only good to be wives and mothers.

In 2001 my husband and I moved to Canada. When I first heard the news I was terrified and sad. I didn’t know where I was going and I was leaving my family and friends behind. It was very hard to leave!

My husband and I first arrived in Toronto. After 15 days we moved to Windsor because it was cheaper living. We were there for about 9 months and then we moved to Calgary. My daughter was four months old at the time. We had three more children while living in Calgary. In Calgary there were more jobs. I was busy working, going to school and looking after four children.

The move to Canada was not easy. I could not speak, read or write English. I had no idea of the culture. I did not know how to dress for the weather, how to cook Canadian food or how to use a Canadian kitchen. I did not know how to shop for food. I did not know what to buy or how to find ingredients because I couldn’t read recipes or instructions. I had never even eaten at a table before.

In Calgary I worked jobs where I did not need much English. I cleaned in a fast food restaurant and I stocked shelves at night for Super Store. I went to school during the day to learn English. My children had to go to daycare. It was a difficult time in Calgary. The city was big and lonely. In the fall of 2010 I moved to Saskatoon where my husband was going to school. People in Calgary told me that Saskatoon had good schools for my children and I wanted them to get a good education.

I am glad I moved to Saskatoon. I have had to deal with many more changes in my life but many of them are good ones. Saskatoon is a quiet and very friendly place. I have made many friends since moving to Saskatoon and I have had so many opportunities that I didn’t have other places. I was fortunate to be introduced to the Global Gathering Place where I have been able to take programs and learn many things. The people there help me a lot. Global does things like teach me how to cook and they show me how to do things like apply for Canadian citizenship and learn about my community. I have a teacher volunteer from Global that helps me with my English studies and she has become a good friend to my family.

I have a very special church family in Saskatoon and they mean so much to me. The people at Grosvenor Church have welcomed my children and me and provided so much support for us. They are always there for me when I need them. Volunteers from the church have helped me look after my children while I learn English with my Global teacher. They have become “surrogate” grandparents to us and I hope they know how much they are appreciated. The church has helped me in so many ways. They have even sponsored two of my children in summer camp programs. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful pastor and my family and I have a great place to worship and learn about being good Christians. I thank God for putting me here.

I now live alone with my four children; Tesloach (2 years) Nyawarga (4 years) Nyakier (9 years) and Dak (6 years). I work hard to be a good mother and I want my children to grow up to be good people and to have an education. I need to have a good education and have a career to support my family. This fall I will start classes at SIAST Kelsey Campus to study English so I can take some courses to begin a career. My children will see me work hard and study to make a better life for us. It is important that I set a good example for my children.

Someday I hope to become a Canadian Citizen. I dream about bringing my family to Canada so they can have a better life, too. It is hard to bring up children without family to help you and I worry that if something happens to me my children would not have family to help them.

I am happy that I live in Canada now. My children and I have many, many things to be thankful for. My children have the freedom to go to school and make a future. My daughters will have the chance to grow up and be more than property for a man. I am blessed to live in Saskatoon, Canada.

Women of the Bible, Women of Today

By Sam Robinson

Our task was to write about one woman from our studies who impressed me. I find that I can’t do this. Rather, I came away from our study of women in the Bible with a wider understanding of the role of women in biblical history, hence of women in contemporary society.

One of our studies considered “WomanWisdom: Eve.” This study (March 10) noted the historical, negative association that defines Eve: “Adam’s rib has symbolized woman’s derivative and subservient nature.” A backdrop to the stories of the women in the Bible is just this subservient position. In our study of Deborah (November 8), to illustrate, we learn that Sisera’s mother anxiously awaited her son’s return with the spoils of war: “These riches would include material wealth and captive women – ‘a girl or two ... for every man’ [5:30].”

Our study of Jael (November 22) also alluded to the weakness of women in comparison to men. Jael’s murder of Sisera brought shame to all men involved because “being killed by a woman shames both the dead general and the live Israelite general, who had not slain him [Sisera] himself.” Further, in our study of “The Woman Set Free” (October 25), we learn that the bent over woman metaphorically defines the role of women, kept in oppression by “cultures, laws, traditions, and economic systems or political power” – an oppression that women continue to struggle against.

Hannah (November 29) considered herself, and was considered by others, as a worthless woman. She was harassed because she was barren, “the Lord had closed her womb.” Her prayer begged for a male child, the solution to her problems as a woman. The commentary on the story of Hannah explains: “At the time this was written, Israelite women had little status unless the produced offspring. To be barren was a curse of God and a woman’s greatest tragedy.”

Sarah (February 10) faced a similar problem to Hannah. “¹¹Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it has ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.” The commentary on Sarah’s story bluntly describes the value of women in the biblical world: “She was elderly and childless. In those days, people thought that the childless – along with the lepers, the blind, and the poor – might as well be dead.”

In the story of Rizpah (October 18), who stood up to might King David in her grief over her murdered sons, we read the story of a woman who was “triply insignificant.” “Rizpah was a widow, a mother whose two sons were murdered, and a former concubine of Saul.” Her story outlines how, like the story of Eve, women have been defined in subservience to men.

For me, this quick review of the social context of the lives of biblical women enhances the stories of all women in our study. They were strong women, and we understand them as even stronger, given the male dominated culture in which they lived, living the curse of Eve. This review, too, points to the role of women in contemporary society. It explains the path that the feminist movement has had to travel. It defines the role that many women still live within, as presented, for example, in the stories of the lives of women in Afghanistan.

Our second task was to comment on our understanding of “god” as developed in our study sessions. For me, I’ve been thinking about conceptions of god: god above, god within, god among. My experience with the study series has highlighted the importance of “God among.” Not only did we gather to understand the stories of women in the Bible, we gathered to build community, to build relationships among. These relationships will undoubtedly last longer than the stories. With the relationships with community, I found value in my understanding of God.

우리에게 주어진 과제는 함께 공부했던 성서의 여성들 중 한 명을 골라서 제 생각을 나누는 거 였습니다. 그런데, 저는 그렇게 할 수 없었습니다. 제게 가장 감동을 주고 제가 제일 크게 은혜받는 내용이 바로 성서 전반을 새롭게 읽어 볼 수 있었던 거 였고, 그 성서 전반의 내용이 오늘날 우리 삶에, 특히 여성의 삶에, 어떤 연관이 있는지를 살펴보는 일이었기 때문입니다.

개인적으로 당시 성서 여성들의 사회적 배경, 문화, 그 당시 상황을 배우고 고려하는 것이 얼마나 중요한 지 깨달았습니다. 이런 배경들을 앎으로써 이 여성들이 얼마나 강한 분들이었는지 새롭게 느꼈습니다. 당시 상황이 여성들에게 더 억압적이고, 이브의 저주로 둘러싸여 있는 가부장 사회이었기 때문에 그들의 신앙과 삶이 저희들에게 더 큰 용기와 희망을 준다고 생각합니다. 물론 이런 가부장 사회의 현실이 우리 오늘 현실에 사라진 것이 아니기 때문에, 이런 배경을 배우는 성서 여성 공부가 참 의미있었습니다. 다시 말해, 얼마나 여성해방, 페미니스트 운동이 고된 긴 여정을 거쳐 여기까지 와야 했는지, 아니, 아직도 우리 사회에 이런 여성해방 운동의 기운이 필요하다는 걸 느낍니다. 아프카니스탄 여성들의 삶이 그 대표적인 예라고 봅니다.

두 번째로 제가 느끼기에 우리가 배운 내용은 “하나님”이 누구이신가 하는 것이었습니다. 제게 우리 성서공부는 하나님의 실재, 우리 위에 계시고, 우리 안에 계시고, 우리 가운데 계신 하나님에 대해 많이 생각하게 하는 시간이었습니다. 이 중에서도 우리 가운데 계신 하나님이 얼마나 중요한 지를 깨닫게 하는 공부였다고 봅니다. 성서공부가 단순히 성서에 나오는 여성들만을 공부하는 것이 아니라, 우리 각 자, 이 공부를 통해 새로운 공동체를 만들어 내는 기회가 되었다고 봅니다. 이러한 관계 형성을 통해, 우리 가운데 계시는 하나님을 체험했습니다. 제 개인적으로 이 관계를 유지하고 강하게 하는 그 경험이 성경이야기보다 오래 제 삶에 자리잡을 거 같습니다. 왜냐하면, 신앙 공동체 안에 형성된 그 관계가 하나님을 체험하고 이해하는 열쇠이기 때문입니다.

Personal Reflection

By HyeRan Kim-Cragg

Unlike many dedicated and faithful members, who hardly missed the Bible study throughout the year, I was an occasional member of this study. I was able to come to the Bible study only a few times. The one that I remember most clearly was the session when we talked about the creation story in the book of Genesis.

What I appreciated the most was the group’s sincere willingness and diligent ability to read the passage verse by verse. Of course, it was designed in such a way that allowed the participants whose first language is not English to understand the text well. However, everyone seemed quite engaged, though some may think this can be a tedious way of doing the Bible study.

To my surprise, however, I noticed that English speaking people were amazed at the questions posed by the non-English speaking participants. Such basic and vocabulary related questions actually helped the English speaking people to think deeply about the passage, leading to new meanings.

In that session, we had a guest from another church, who became a regular member of the Bible Study. Actually, I invited this person, thinking that she may enjoy this opportunity. She grew up in South Korea and Japan, though she told us that her daily language is Japanese. To be honest, I was a bit worried, though it was me who invited her, because I knew that her theological orientation would be quite different from the United church’s, typically speaking, a liberal and progressive theological stance. Especially, when the conversation was moving towards the issue of the Creation story, against the Creationist view, my invisible radar went out to watch her how she would react to that.

Again, to my surprise, she commented something like this during this conversation, “I think it would be boring if God created the perfect and unchanging world. I think it is interesting to know that the creation is not perfect and that it is exciting to imagine that the creation is still happening.” I am absolutely certain that she does NOT know our New Creed, “We believe in God who has created and “IS” creating.” But who do we say that she does not know or would not agree our United church theology?

I loved and appreciated both of these surprises. They challenged my own assumptions that reading verse by verse would only benefit non-English speaking people and would provide very little for the English-speaking group. I was corrected by the guest participant’s profound theological insights that helped me to see that United Church people do not hold the all truth, or all progressive theology.

This Bible study proved to me with the truth that our learning, if this learning is genuinely aimed to be educational, is always mutual. And that is the basic truth of intercultural ministry. This Bible study showed me that God comes to us as surprises through the encounters with the new people. It is through these new and unknown guests we welcome God in our midst and come closer to God and God’s truth.

It is, therefore, our call to create this space, a space of new encounters, a space of open ears, and a space of learning, as an intercultural space.

May Grosvenor Park United church continue to be such space of intercultural learning so that we continue to be surprised by the Spirit of God and delight God in what we do!

October 1 Introduction Assigned reading: Genesis 1		October 8 NO MEETING	October 15 NO MEETING	October 22 Reading together: Genesis Assigned reading: Exodus
October 29 Reading together: Exodus Assigned reading: Leviticus		November 5 Reading together: Leviticus Assigned reading: Deuteronomy	November 12 Reading together: Deuteronomy Assigned reading: Joshua	November 19 NO MEETING
November 26 Reading together: Joshua Assigned reading: Judges		December 3 Reading together: Judges Assigned reading: Ruth	December 10 Reading together: Ruth Assigned reading: Samuel I	December 17 Reading together: Samuel I Assigned reading: Samuel II
December 24 NO MEETING		December 31 NO MEETING	January 7 Reading together: Samuel II Assigned reading: Kings I	January 14 Reading together: Kings I Assigned reading: Kings II
January 21 NO MEETING		January 28 Reading together: Kings II Assigned reading: Chronicles I and II	February 4 Reading together: Chronicles I and II Assigned reading: Ezra and Nehemiah	February 11 Reading together: Ezra and Nehemiah Assigned reading: Esther
February 18 NO MEETING		February 25 Reading together: Esther Assigned reading: Job	March 4 Reading together: Job Assigned reading: Psalms Book I (Ps 1-41)	March 11 Reading together: Psalms Book I Assigned reading: Psalms Book II-III (Ps 42-89)
March 18 NO MEETING		March 25 Reading together: Psalms Book II-III (Ps 42-89) Assigned reading: Psalms Book IV-V (Ps 90-150)	April 1 Reading together: Psalms Book IV-V (Ps 90-150) Assigned reading: Proverbs	April 8 Reading together: Proverbs Assigned reading: Ecclesiastes
April 15 NO MEETING	April 22 Reading together: Ecclesiastes Assigned reading: Song of Songs		April 29 Reading together: Song of Songs Assigned reading: Isaiah 1-40	May 6 Reading together: Isaiah 1-40 Assigned reading: Isaiah 41-66
May 13 Reading together: Isaiah 41-66 Assigned reading: Jeremiah	May 20 NO MEETING		May 27 Reading together: Jeremiah Assigned reading: Lamentations	June 3 Reading together: Lamentations Conclusion

GPUC Bible Study and Community Build

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Bible Study Schedule

Bible Study Basics

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Surprising Stories