Calling on theologians

The Distance Theological Education section of the Theological Departments needs course writers. There is a great need for Melanesians tp start write writing Theological Education by Extension (TEE) courses.
In some countries these TEE courses also include themes such as health, first aid, community development. The courses are offered at Diploma, certificate and at Masters level as well. In India TEE courses are offered at Master's level and the award is called Master in Theological Studies (MTS). They also offer Bachelor of Theological Studies (BTS).
As for developed countries, they have online schools and provide their lessons through correspondence, through CDs and through the email. This is something that our people in PNG and all Melanesian countries need to do so that we can develop our home grown TEE materials.
Since TEE was developed 33 years ago courses are still offered at certificate level. We need to have big dreams and pursue them. We can do it when we have the faith to do something new.

Melanesian Journal of Theology

Melanesian Journal of Theology (MJT) published by CLTC is a journal worth reading. Since there are not many books, comentaries and encyclopaedias about Melanesian theology, MJT is so helpful. Non Melanesians also contribute articles.

When students are given assignments based on Melanesian thinking, MTJ proves to be useful and helpful.

For further details contact deanofstudies@cltc.ac.pg

Thanks

Tim Kwara
CLTC

Writing about personal experiences

The other day, I read titled 'The land of the unexpected' it was written by Shirley Fountain, a lady who had lived and worked in certain parts of PNG. As I read the book, I was moved to write about my experiences in CLTC, Banz. Shirley and her husband had also lived and worked in CLTC.

The experiences in the book were similar to my experiences at CLTC. I shed a few tears because I went through the same experiences when I first set foot at CLTC.

Therefore it is good to write personal journals and diaries and record the history for the future.

Hope I will get some comments on Melanesian writing. Even when searching for anthropological stories most were written by expatriates.

This is something to think about.

To learn more about blogging

It is so good to blog and express yourself. I want more people to follow this blog but I am just a new comer so I will be learning. Thanks to a good friend in China who was able to help me out.

Is it possible to use cut and paste and put in articles that I have written some time ago. I would like to see more Papua New Guineans using this medium to express themselves and promote what they are doing.

I started a writing club at the institution that I worked in. At first there was so much interest but when the students graduated that the was the end of the club.

I believe that if we are serious in writing then, we will see more PNG books in the Library, archives, bookshops etc.

I hope that this dream will come to fruition in the years to come.

TK

Christians Writing for Melanesian

It is so great to read books written by other people. One of the books that I really wanted to possess after seeing it in the Library was the African Bible Commentary (ABC). A few days later someone gave me a copy. This Commentary has been so helpful to me in my assisgnments, research and reading for understanding.
I wonder if there will be a Melanesian Commentary for people in Melanesia to use. The ABC is so helpful and since African and Melanesian cultures are quite similar, I easily understand what I am looking for.
PNG needs more books written for its own people. There is the Melanesian Journal of Theology which is helpful with lots of Melanesian issues discussed. Some of the articles may be one day used in the Melanesian Bible Commentary (MBC).
There are organisations in the country writing and printing books for Melanesia but more needs to be done. When the missionaries first went to Fiji, they told Bible stories and this stories were told to others. The church in Fiji made large print Bible and other Bible helps. You can read about all this in "The Deep Sea canoe" a text book for the name of the same TEE course supplied by Christian Leaders' Training College(CLTC) in Banz, WHP.
I would like to encourage Melanesian to keep copies of their sermons, teaching sessions, journals all other materials that one day will be turned into books.These days there are CDs, DVDs and mobile phones which are useful since PNG has an oral culture. People get lazy to write. I would like to encourage nationals to keep writing. Let's make some Melanesian books for the future generations.