As is common in all of Uganda, keeping time at the workshop
in Karamoja was a challenge. I’ve begun to wisen up to some teaching strategies
that will both reward those who arrive on time and encourage late comers to
arrive on time the next day…films. It worked.
NOOMA Rhythm
is a film that explicitly illustrates the art and science of creative and
critical thinking – lessons taught in the first session of our workshop in
Karamoja. Although these remote African leaders had some difficulty relating to
the idea of a symphony, they certainly understood the importance of music in
worship. Pastor Martin longs to have a keyboard for his church because when
people hear the sound they come to see what’s happening…their inner hearts
respond to the music…to the rhythm (click here
if you’d like to give a keyboard).
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| The children were just as interested in the films. Perhaps there's an opportunity there. |
Not only were we able to successfully illustrate the way art
and science combines to give us something more complete, but we were able to
share a time of ministry together. We talked about being in God’s will, in
rhythm, and how significantly our lives are impacted by this simple act of
obedience. I adore the opportunity to pray very specifically with each of these
people.
The next morning NOOMA
Rain was in the lineup and the participants were lined up to begin on time
too. We discussed the various metaphors in the film – a tool sometimes lost on
people here – and the students began to awaken…light bulbs. From the film we
moved into some warm up exercises to stimulate creative and critical thinking
and today – I believe because of our discussion about metaphor in this film –
the men and women were significantly sharper in applying their thinking skills.
I wonder if the leaders at Flannel
ever expected these films to be useful in this way. I’m so very thankful for
their generous provision of this ministry and teaching tool. Thank you! (Time
to start thinking in Kiswahili J)