Peace talks

Here is a local news update concerning the present peace talks. Interestingly, on our hike up country a few months back we encountered a faction of the FNL group that recently decided to support the current Government. Consequently, I had a very positive experience with the FNL, this is mainly because Dan has "incredible native skills" to quote Aaron Brose, Dan's son. Dan talked with, offered food, and mainly just got to know the soldiers. I found the commanding officer to be paticularly nice. We conversed in my limmited french, and used some english. Though at the end of the day. He didn't want any pictures with me (understandably). Here's the article

CENTRAL REGION NEWS

South African to broker Burundi peace talks again

BUJUMBURA, May 14 -- A senior South African government official is scheduled to travel to Dar es Salaam this week to talk with leaders of Burundi's rebel group Forces for National Liberation (FNL) about the stalled peace process in the country.
South African Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula, who was in Bujumbura over the weekend, is to meet NFL leaders in the Tanzanian city.
The FNL quit a joint ceasefire monitoring team last month, complaining that the government troops had not withdrawn from areas under the group's control. The withdrawal was one of the terms of the truce signed in September last year in Dar es Salaam.
Though the rebel group and the Burundian government have both said they were ready for discussions, they have not yet agreed on when and where to discuss the problem.
The South African minister said that he had planned to travel to Dar es Salaam while FNL leaders said that they feared for their safety in Bujumbura, capital of Burundi.

Cornerstone offering well received!

In response to the famine in Burundi, Cornerstone church took an offering just a few weeks ago to feed some of the starving people in the Kayanza province. I have begun to edit a video I am putting together for their church so they can "taste and see" those people who recieved grace from Christ and the church of Cornerstone. Here are the facts:

Cornerstone raised over 30k to give away to the people of Burundi.
This provided 23kilos of beans per family, and over two thousand families trecked to the food distribution point... which tends to be as far as the big dump truck can make it into the country. This time it happened to be a school a few miles south of the city of Kayanza.

One of the ways World Relief works is from Church to church (this time from Cornerstone to eleven local churches in Kayanza), so we networked with the 11 local church pastors in Kayanza to determine who gets the beans. We also feed one "commune" or group of hills at a time in order to bring the communities up together so that there is little-to-no jealousy or inequity as to who recieves food and who doesn't (much different for sponser a child/individual model). It is one of our goals to feed as many of these faminished people as possible and we continue to distribute food as money is committed (Mars Hill and a few other churches will also provide for future distributions). This particular "commune" consisted of 11 hills which are home to these two thousand families... so the 11 pastors who made the lists of who recieves beans, tend to list responsible people who are generous, mature, people, who will plant and work hard. That way, the whole commune will hopefully support each other as they endure the hardship together. Food distributions can get ugly, riots, starving people, opinions flying about whose not being treated fairly, poisonings etc... but this distribution had no violence. I did see one lady get hit with a stick by a soldier while she picked up beans that fell to the ground... this was because she was in the path of men carrying 220lbs bags of beans to put in a pile, and she could have tripped them up and people would get hurt, and if people get hurt... there are no decent doctors in the country of Burundi, so suffering ensues, and more violence may result. All this to say that the cornerstone food distribution went extremely well. No riots, no injuries, and the people were very grateful. It was very humbling, and you never get over this sort of experience, and when you're at one of these events, what you see most glaring is your own materialist wealth. We are incredibly blessed, we just are. I met the governor of the region as well as the administrator, and I gave a short little schpeel to the governor and administrator and all the people (this is a must, you have to give a word if you are white...plus they assumed I was from cornerstone). So I pretended I was Dave Degraaf (without the french skills), and I told them of Cornerstone church in Oregon, the people and Pastor Barry, and fortunately I researched cornerstones website so I was very familiar with all the goings on as well as the philosophy (they love hearing about the churches in America who help them). So thank you Cornerstone, your gift was very well recieved. Below are some pics of the food distribution that you provided for. (click on the pictures to enlarge, and a video will be available soon)


Below is a pile of beans that will get distributed to the families that reside on one of the hills














Pastor Pierre hands out gospel tracks and bible info in Kirundi











A few of the people who trecked to the distribution (some walked for several days)

A note from me Mum

As you've read in my previous post "mums the word," I really do love my mum. So since she's like Trina and I and can't remember passwords and such anymore (we're each on our third blog because we've forgotten passwords). I thought I should post her response to the Mothers Day Blog. She's so funny

Re: Happy Mothersday‎
From: margie chase
Sent: Mon 5/14/07 11:04 PM
To: seth chase

seth, thanks so much for the nice blogspot you did on mum...i just loved it so much and those flowers were amazing in the photo...i look forward to reading both your blogs and i can't remember what my password was to respond to your blogs under comments ...bummmer..i've tried so many times after writing such goood comments...know how to redo a password on those bloggs? I've been so amazed at what you and trina have been doing there it seems a perfect place for you both with your talent and skills.. we are both so proud of you and the work that you are doing in africa and the people you are connecting with, what an adventure of a lifetime for sure... it probably won't be as much fun returning to the states after living there in that culture, an all the traveling that you've been doing over there. boy that rafting trip was a terror... i don't think i would of been up to doing that at my age....i'm slowing down and like being a grandmum now... it's too bad that trinabelle can only stay a girl in africa....what if you adopted a baby? then can she be a woman and you a man? it's sad to keep the belle a girl don't you think???? she needs tobe a woman....what do the others there think ofthis???? ...luv ya lots,MUM

To answer your question mum. Locals here would be a bit confused if Trina never had any children, but of course it's not problematic, and would never negatively effect relationship or our work/serving here. Educated Burunians are not very concerned with what bazungu do, but certainly people "up country" (a local term that means "the sticks") will always be curious if Trina didn't have children but that's the extent of it... though as all of Africa is becoming more westernized, different ways of doing things are becoming more and more accepted. Here it's a matter of survival, and it's culturaly expected to have large families traditionally, though it works against them as well because often they can't always feed their families, and there's the ever growing problem with overpopulation and rescourses in Burundi, and Rwanda especially (hot topic amongst evangelicals). Rwanda has recently instituted a policy similar to China to limit the number of children families can have. It's likely that similar legislation will be passed here in Burundi in the not too distant future. Time will tell.

Mums the word

Where would we be without moms said the pastor? "Unborn" I thought to myself as I stared at a line of ants crawling uniformly on the concrete flooring (our church is an outdoor church with no walls, I love it... especially when it rains violently with thunder and lighting). I love "mums" as the Britts say. I love me mum. Me mum spoiled me growing up. Me mum helped put me through college, and me mum helped me start our little video adventure that resulted in me being in the heart of Afrique. These are the flowers I would give you if I could mum. Trina did some negociating and got them for a little less the $3.00 U.S. We did have the pleasure of giving these flowers to our African American mum here in Burundi whom we love dearly, the amazing Mrs. Tambry Brose. I've never met her like. God has truely blessed us to put us in the hands of such a fabulous woman. I hope you can meet her someday mum. I know you'd love her. In Burundi, you are a girl until you have a child. Then at the moment you have the child, you are a woman... a woman and a mom at the same time. Also, moms in Burundi are named after their first born son. So for example, Tambry Brose, would be called: Momma Andrew. If and when you comes to Burundi, you will be called: Momma Jesse. Moms in Burundi enjoy a higher status, than girl. If a woman never marries and she's 55years old, or she married and never had a baby she would still be called a girl by everybody in her tribe/hill. If you are male, and you are not married you are a boy. The moment you marry, you are a man. But that's a post for another time. So, as far as Seth and Trina are viewed by the locals concerning our status in Burundi: Seth is a man, and Trina is a girl (I'm robbin' the cradle mum). Most likely Trina will not enjoy woman status in Burundi. I love you mum. Cheers

So good

These are not the Congo Mtns









The Congo mountains command my eye, more out of grace than pride. The handiwork of a master creator. The sun beats down unrepentant, perspiration is predestined. I walk to french class excited. A four mile commute with Burundi foot traffic. Why drive? Bikes, cars, trucks, and mottos fight for pavement, but the pot-holes always win. Walking is a lost art. We exchange looks, bazungu and murundi. I have yet to win a local starring competition. Dust in all and through all, more than enough to go around. Should I describe the smells? Nah, won't even try. A local murundi says hi in Italian. A student to talk to. He speaks Kirundi, and french and english besides . What's that? Your brother is in Sweden? You only need 3000 US dollars and all is well? Not this time. Where do you work? Sounds good to me. See you around. What a town. What a culture. What a place. The people, the Country. So beautiful. So tragic. I love this place. Life is good.


So good.



Love the yard monkey












Sara, Tambry, and Trina walk with the locals

Perspectives on the short term mission movement

Dan Brose writes: "In a recent article in Christianity Today, Pastor Oscar Muriu from Nairobi Chapel gives a very interesting interview that contrasts, compares, and advises northern and southern churches. The following excerpt is worth discussing as our partner churches prepare for trips to the AGL region this summer to learn, engage, build relationships, and minister."

Now, if you're an American and you read this try not to take offence, after all, self criticism is of much value. It is important to see how we are viewed by those outside America in order to get a reference point for how we should start relating in cultures outside the states. If you are intensly pro-short term mission feel free to send me a thesis on why you are, and I'll be happy to post it, I have been on a couple of short term teams myself. Here's the Interview with Pastor Muriu, and his opinion is shared by many Africans in all 52 nations.


"Your church has a huge vision. How can churches in the West help? We're used to sending short-term mission teams over to paint walls …


Yes, and after you leave, we repaint many of the walls that you painted! (Laughter.)

Okay, seriously, do short-term mission trips help?


They work for the West; they don't work for us very well. We don't call them "short-term missions" any more. We call them "short-term learning opportunities." The problem with calling it a mission is that it implies an agenda. There's something I need to come and do for you, or to you, to better your life. In reality that doesn't happen in two weeks. Life is far too complex for that.

The greatest benefit is that you come and you learn. Unfortunately, not enough short-termers are listening to the two-thirds world, who receive them.

Americans tend to be very poorly informed about the world. America generates enough news on its own that its news organizations don't have space for international news. Yet America exports so many movies and so much news that everybody around the world knows about America, whereas American knows about nobody.

So what happens when there is an interchange?


As a Kenyan I was quite familiar with American long before the first time I came here. The culture shock for me is minimal. But Americans know almost nothing about Kenya. And so the culture shock when they come is very deep. Some of them see destitute poverty for the first time ever.

When you see poverty in America, on your television, it is sanitized. But the first marker of poverty is that it smells. That's how you know real poverty: the smell. I have watched short-term missioners come in, and I've realized, Oh boy, we need to go and debrief quickly. Because they're weeping, they're broken, they have an immense sense of guilt. This is more about them than it is about what they came to do.

Are such "learning experiences" the best use of our resources?


The problem for Americans is that if a church isn't doing these things, it isn't cool, and the youth program isn't cool. So there's a lot of pressure for all youth programs to do this. Short-term experiences have their place, but they need to be more carefully constructed. All too often a church says, "We'd like to come for a short-term experience."

Then they say, in so many words, "We're going to do A, B, C, D, and we're in charge."

We want to say, "Guys, you're coming as our guests."

Do you know that when the President of the United States travels, his people take over all the security of the nations he travels to? When he came to East Africa, the airports were completely taken over by Marines. The local policemen were moved out. The attitude was We don't trust you. Your people could be terrorists. We'll do things our way.

Short-term missions tend to be like that: they come and completely take over the agenda, the programs, the life of the church. But that's not the way you visit a friend.

Besides bringing an agenda, what tends to distinguish the American personality?

Americans have two great things going for them culturally. One is that Americans are problem-solvers. Every time I come to the U.S., I like to spend a couple hours in a Wal-Mart. I find solutions to problems that I never thought of!

The rest of the world, even Europe, isn't so intent on solving inconveniences. We tend to live with our problems. In America you almost never go into a house where the sinks have two taps, a cold water tap and a hot water tap, because that means you have to mix the water in the sink to get it to the right temperature. You have these single faucets that mix the water before it comes out. It makes perfect sense. But that's a problem the rest of the world wouldn't even think to solve.

Americans don't easily live with a problem—they want to solve the problem and move on. The rest of the world is more willing to live with the problems.

The second great thing for Americans is that your educational system teaches people to think and to express themselves. So a child who talks and asserts himself in conversation is actually awarded higher marks than the one who sits quietly.

How are these traits seen, say, in Africa?

Those two things that are such great gifts in the home context become a curse when you go into missions. Americans come to Africa, and they want to solve Africa. But you can't solve Africa. It's much too complex for that. And that really frustrates Americans.

And the assertiveness you are taught in school becomes a curse on the field. I often say to American missionaries, "When the American speaks, the conversation is over." The American is usually the most powerful voice at the table. And when the most powerful voice gives its opinion, the conversation is over.

So what should talkative, problem-solving Americans do?


I tell Americans: "We're going into this meeting. Don't say anything! Sit there and hold your tongue." When you sit around a table, the people speaking always glance at the person they believe is the most powerful figure at the table. They will do that with you when you're the only American. And at some point, they will ask you: "What do you think?"

Don't say anything. If you say anything, reflect back with something like "I have heard such wisdom at this table. I am very impressed." And leave it at that. Affirm them for the contribution they have made. Don't give your own opinion.

Americans find that almost impossible. They do not know how to hold their tongue. They sit there squirming, because they're conditioned to express their opinions. It's a strength at home, but it becomes a curse on the field.

In a sense western missions has been marked by that. But isn't it strange that Jesus not only entered society incarnate at the weakest point, as a defenseless child who needed the care of his host community, but he also told his disciples: "Do not go with money; do not go with a second pair of shoes; go in a stance of vulnerability; be dependent on the communities you visit"? Isn't it interesting that for 30 years he doesn't speak out; doesn't reveal himself; he remains quiet, and only after 30 years of listening and learning the culture does he begin to speak.

So how can Americans communicate well with Africans?

When we communicate in Africa, we are very guarded in what we say. We don't want to offend. Westerners say that Africans never tell you what they really think. They tell you what you want to hear. And yes, that's true! Because from our perspective, every engagement between two people always has the potential of leading to a lifelong relationship, or preventing a lifelong friendship.

Africa is a very relational continent. It's the relationships that make society work.

In the U.S. things work irrespective of relationships; in fact, if you have a relationship, it can sometimes work against you. In Africa it's the opposite. So we are always guarded and gracious in our communication. We want to guard the relationship. When the Bible says, "Speak the truth in love," we err on the side of love. The possibility of a relationship means I cannot tell you the total truth until I am secure in this relationship with you, until I know that the truth will not hurt this relationship.

You do it differently. Speaking the truth has a higher premium in your context, so you are unguarded. You speak the truth, call a spade a spade, at whatever cost. And if the relationship suffers, well, that's too bad, the important thing is that the truth was spoken.

We never do that. I've had to learn to be more assertive in my dealings with Americans just so they would hear me! I have had to learn to speak truth more directly. Americans have to learn to listen to the relational side of things."

hey Chase Fam

So this is a little flick mainly geared for my family. The humor is geared toward them, and so is the content. Once again, this trip was a 30th birthday celebration, it was funded by Trina and myself, and it's just a little fluff piece of our road trip from Bujumbura to Uganda to raft the nile. We had to do some work in Kigali, so the Nile is just an 8 hour drive north from kigali... it was meant to be. It also was celebrating the last big brose family adventure before they return to the states, so their kids are in the video and their great friends the Vintons from Congo, who are new Congo friends of ours now. I'm sure Trina and I will be spending more time with them in the future. If you are not my family, you may still watch the video, but the video doesn't deal with any of the work we are doing here, which is why it's not on Trina's blog. Also, the names of some of the rapids on the nile, may be a little out of the ordinary for those not in the Chase family, but as far as names of rapids go, they are pretty middle of the road. I would also like to publicly let my fam know how excited I am about the newest member to the Chase family "baby Jane" and when she get's old enough she can watch this video and learn of her quirky uncle seth. Love you Baby Jane.

New Life

I've been here for over a month, and it's been great. It feels like a whole new life. Starting over to a great extent in many ways, yet bringing so much self to my new life that it's still me... which isn't fantastic news, but it is barely newsworthy. Every day here is like a movie and the genre would be comedy/trajedy. Somethings I see are so crazy they seem fake, or fiction. And some things I see are hilarious. When I first arrived, I slepted in boxers on top of the covers every night with no shirt, and I sweated profusly even though we had a fan. Now I sleep under the covers because I get a bit cold. The human bodies adaptability is quite profound. I had a head cold for about 4 weeks, I thought it would never go away, because I thought it may be related to pollution in the air, dust, and tropical plantiness. But it's gone. The human bodies resiliancy is fantastic. Of course I can't yet speak the language so you feel like a little child dependent on parents for survival, and of course the currency is different, so you have to up your math skills. The cars are right hand drives and you drive on the right side of the road in Burundi, and there are no traffic rules, so it's always crazy fun behind the wheel. Food can tend to be the same thing as it would in my old life, yet very very different in texture and flavor. There's enough new to really lend itself to a new life. And there's enough me, to make it still a bit of a bummer. Too much self in every life. There's also enough bandwith in my life, that ties between both lives are maintained... still starring me in both lives. So I don't know really what I'm talking about at this point... it's more of a feeling that I have.

Openhanded

Here is the short video of the food distribution that we did. Many of you have seen it but many have not. This was one of the more intense days for me here: seeing this degree of poverty and knowing how many more million are not represented. This is slightly higher quality, and "receives" is spelled correctly in this version. The footage is compressed, and I don't know why google changed the aspect ration, but that totally urks me. I plan to have a much better, and slightly different version on sermonspice soon. There is a version with the english translation of what pastor Pierre is saying in the video as he speaks to the suffering people in Kirundi, but that is not this version. But the synopsis is that he is saying to the people "please except this gift of love from your brothers and sisters in America, who love you, and care for you." I didn't put the translated version out for several reasons. I feel guilty about that message personally and I don't want to mislead the people of Burundi, and the people of the States. That's all I'll say about that for now. I know I didn't explain myself well in this little diddy, but... well, yeah, I don't know what else to say about that on a blog post. This video is approx 26megs, so make sure you have a fast connection before you try and play it.

Heroes

I think everyone should have heroes in life, and I thought I should share some of mine. I have so many heroes, and some I can't mention because they have to keep their identities secret but some I can mention. I'll start with Pat Thurman. More than a friend has Pat been to me over the years. My buddy Tony (who is also one of my heroes) said that he believes Pat is an angel. If so, Pat is one of the more cuddly unintimidating angles I've ever encountered. My buddy Andy, Nathaniel, and I think that Pat may be of the same stock as the Apostles of the first century, and we have had several pub discussions throughout the years and though we haven't arrived at any definitive conclusions we are convinced that he is something phenomenal. Allen Hlavka has suggested that when the Thurmans enter a room the presence of the Spirit can be felt. I've noticed this myself: that whenever I see or spend time with Pat, I feel a peace the whole time I'm around him. I've not noticed this with anyone else I've met. Numerous times Pat has been an answered prayer for me on numerous occasions. Paul has said to his readers "imitate me as I imitate Christ" I often attempt to imitate Pat. My brother Jesse, and my Dad. These guys are incredible. My dad has been through the ringer; life has not been easy for him. There are countless stories of Captain Bob Chase enduring hardships. He's survived three shipwrecks, he's ministered on the streets, in prison, on the job, at home, and in the church. My dad is a constant reminder that no matter how tough it gets, don't whine, just keep pushing forward. My brother is one of the brightest and diligent people I know. Jesse, is a living example of "following your dreams." Jesse took huge risks, and worked harder than most, and has one of the most successful companies in the state where he operates. He also gives more money away than almost anyone else I know. I think Randy Alcorn has him beat but that's about it. Jesse also has character. He's a straight shooter, and he raises his family with Christ like morals. He's honest, and he continually challenges himself. I'm super proud of Jesse, and I'm honored to be his brother. He is a hero of mine. I have a few friends that are heroes of mine: Tony Whipps, and Dan Franklin. Tony is humility manifest, he's a good steward, he's self aware, he loves unconditionally, and he can predict a song that will play on whatever radio station your listening to right before his predicted song plays. In fact this is one of his super powers. He also has great hair. It doesn't matter what kind of hair cut he gets... it just works on him. Dan is a fantastic thinker, he's self aware as well, and he has critical thinking capabilities that rival histories most critical thinkers. He also runs his own think tank, and is the only one in it as the thinking capacity of the tank itself is at its max with his thinking capabilities alone. The tank simply can't handle any more thinkers. He's also got a dry unmatchable delivery on most of his jokes, which place him among the funniest people I've ever known. He's a great movie companion and father... but not to me (he's not a father figure to me, that is) he's a father to Mathew... and that's okay with me. Dan is a great teacher, and he's also great at watching 24. I can't mention all my other heroes on this post, lest the villains get to much info and try to exploit their weaknesses. I suspect Dan is probably already under some sort of villainous attack. I will mention Jeremy Pietzold. He has the super power of laying fibre, and speeding up peoples Internet connection. Unfortunately he can only do this in the state of Oregon. He's not national, or global, but we hope one day he branches out. He's also persistent, thorough, and bright. As a child he set a world record for most pull ups in a row, at his local Sandy elementary school. He's very good at building houses without being a professional builder. He's really quite incredible. There are 12 other heroes I'd like to mention but I simply don't have the time or energy. I will mention their public identities; supertuck, greasyboy, burundius maxiumus, festidious flabb, crazy bowels, frickis, Dane the sharp, Jenuin the wise, flower girl, munchius, frenchy the bagel, and last but not least, concave chest. Thank you men and women, for all you are, and for all the service you provide for humanity.

Are you Egalitarian or Complimentarian?

New Translation Prompts Debate on Islamic Verse

Laleh Bakhtiar had already spent two years working on an English translation of the Koran when she came upon Chapter 4, Verse 34.
She nearly dropped the project right then.
The hotly debated verse states that a rebellious woman should first be admonished, then abandoned in bed, and ultimately “beaten” — the most common translation for the Arabic word “daraba” — unless her behavior improves.
“I decided it either has to have a different meaning, or I can’t keep translating,” said Ms. Bakhtiar, an Iranian-American who adopted her father’s Islamic faith as an adult and had not dwelled on the verse before. “I couldn’t believe that God would sanction harming another human being except in war.”
Ms. Bakhtiar worked for five more years, with the translation to be published in April. But while she found a way through the problem, few verses in the Koran have generated as much debate, particularly as more Muslim women study their faith as an academic field.
“This verse became an issue of debate and controversy because of the ethics of the modern age, the universal notions of human rights,” said Khaled Abou El Fadl, an Egyptian-born law professor and Islamic scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles.
The leader of the North American branch of a mystical Islamic order, Sheik Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, said he had been questioned about the verse in places around the world where women were struggling for greater rights, but most of all by Westerners.
Women want to be free “from some of the extreme ideology of some Muslims,” the sheik said, after delivering a sermon on the verse recently in Oakland, Calif.

Tourist Destinations

This is an interesting article I found. I don't know exactly how people find this out, but i thought it was interesting at least that GSCC has had or still has it's people in at least 4 of the worlds most dangerous destinations for 2007 which I think is very healthy, and I hope GSCC will send people to all of these destinations in time:

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations for 2007
Somalia
Iraq
Afghanistan
Democratic Republic of Congo
Côte d'Ivoire
Pakistan
Burundi
Sri Lanka
Haiti
Chad
Lebanon
Liberia
Of course, you probably don't think of these places as vacation destinations, unless you're a whacked-out Robert Young Pelton. However, employees of governments, oil and mining industries, and telecom industries are increasingly being dispatched to these locations. If you work for one of those groups, be certain to ask about insurance, hazard pay -- and a bodyguard.
Interestingly, the piece argues that the world is NOT getting more dangerous right now. Rather, globalization and the attendant "shrinking" of the planet is largely responsible for making the world APPEAR more dangerous now than before.

Okay, so that's the article. In a related topic however, Dan told me the other day, that Bujumbura, Burundi, in addition to being one of the most dangerous locations, also is the second to least preferable tourest destinations in the world. At the bottom of the list is Chad, I believe.

the title of this post goes here

I am drama. I am me. Me that I am. I feel like I have to post, yet I don't know what to post about. I guess, just some new things. I take my french dictionary with me in my pocket everyday, and I like using it, but it made me realize how tight my pockets are, and my pants possibly, I guess I could be in an 80's rock band if my pants have their way. It's really uncomfortable and it's got to look obnoxious. Also, I went to register at the U.S. Embassy the other day, and realized I had a pocket knife in my pocket, as I approached security I wondered if they would take my knife. They increased security here the last few days do to some things that would take me too long to explain and it would also worry Trina's parents. But this is my favorite knife, and I didn't want to part with it. So I decided to try and sneak it into the embassy without getting caught. I was recently educated in the art of "slight of hand" by my favorite magician Sir. Kevin Holzer (I recently had him knighted). So phase one of security, I simply held the knife clenched in my fist and put both hands above my head. But since I was so much taller, the guard didn't check my hands, he was to concerned with my clothes and pockets. The second gaurd post, same drill different gaurd. Now we were in the embassy compound, I thought about putting the knife in my shoe. The last phase approached. I didn't have time for the shoe maneuver. I went inside the embassy door, and there was a metal dectetor that you had to walk through. I didn't try to sneak it through. I gave it to the guard on the condition that he would give it back. But, I realized, that there is alot you can get away with here, conversely, there is many ways you can get into trouble here. It's been a fun learning experience so far. We did go to a peacemaking seminar, and learned techniques on how to educate and resolve conflict. It was an informative seminar, that was highly relevant and we all hope to put the info into good practical use in our lives, and while we are here. I'm meeting a lot of people and forgetting their names. So that's a bummer, but I'll be visiting some local burundians at their home, and I'm gonna go to church with one guy that I met yesterday. I'm quite sure it will be an adventure. These are just pop corn sentences, with different thoughts I realize, but it's something. I can't get over how hot it is here. I think it's just for the next two months, then it will cool down. But lot's of people are commenting on it... not just me. Granted most of the people aren't locals, but... there is some empathy... oh, I got a cell phone, and I'm learning how to text finally, I feel like a swanky european, who sweats all the time, and takes forever to text a simple message. We hope to start French Lesson's soon, so that will help me feel like a swanky european, who sweats all the time, and speaks french... which is a slight improvement (depending on your point of view). Anyway, that's something I guess.

Cheers my Dears

I just want to say to all our supporters, that we are not using our support money for our time in England, I had a bad dream last night that everyone was furious with me, because they worried about this... so I thought to act on my irrational fears, which I do from time to time, which usually result in humiliating myself, and wreaking havoc on friendships, but irrational habits die hard. I know it's taboo to talk about money, which is why we should talk about it as much as possible... money, money, money... mammon! We are using our own money, because this trip has nothing to do with Africa, and well, when I support people, I worry about things like this, and of course I have all sorts of opinions. Plus, England is so spanking expensive that coming here at all is a bad financial decision. Thank goodness for Amyr and Sogol, who are graciously letting us stay in their apartment. They are also giving up their bedroom... which is crazy. So we are really taken care of here. I should say that they have silk sheets, pillow cases, and comforter, and it's dark purple. Every time I go to bed, I feel like I'm in a sexy velvet music video. Or maybe I feel like a sultan. But I don't know what a sultan is really, or where they are from... sultans, sounds good. I know I may regret this post later, make sure and comment about how offended you are then we can get in the first ever comment argument... well maybe not the first. Oh well. Our trip thus far has been really great. And all the people we've met, and hung out with, have been amazing. On a separate note, I feel like everyone in England, drives really cool expensive cars... and they are all new cars, and they are all like cars you'd see in rap videos. I keep waiting for people to throw all sorts of money around and walk in slow motion, and rap in their swanky British accents when they get out of their super sweet cars. The last time I was in England, I thought the same thing about the cars, but I thought... nah, it's just like the states. But I was wrong to doubt myself last time, because I am correct on this matter and I shouldn't doubt myself. The English all have super cool, swanky, posh, cars, and there's nothing you can do about it. There have been some super funny moments on this visit... too many to blog about. I wish I could phone you all on a conference call, and tell you, because I know I'll forget them all in time. I'll journal about them tomorrow maybe, if I feel up to it, then in two years we can all go camping, and tell stories around the fire. Tomorrow we leave for Kenya, and I imagine, I will start using our support money... but don't worry, I'll be very frugal. If only you could have experienced my dream with me... but that would also be very weird and sci-fi like and even I am not willing to go there yet. I should let you all know, since I am speaking about money, and my paranoia, that our two latest films are on sermonspice, and one of them is about money. If you want to access them, possibly talk to Ruth King (my cult following) and she can tell you how. I emailed Nancy, and told Nancy to tell Ruth how to access our sermonspice films. I love this type of communication because it is extravagant and prone to much error. Until next time, and remember, talk about money as much as possible, maybe tell everyone how much money you make a month, and your cost of living... see what happens.

the great missioning

I gotta say it was tougher than I expected leaving friends and fam. Although, my immediate family isn't aware about where I am or when I'm leaving. And I can't get ahold of them... I'll keep working on that, but it was hard leaving Trina's family and all our friends last week. I can't believe how gracious you all are. Especially since I had a really bad haircut. Thank you all for talking to me, and not commenting on the uneven hair. On our way to headquarters the other day I saw a sign that said "Baltimore, the greatest city ever!" When I saw that I thought that the Roman Empire would of got really ticked off if they ever became aware of that sign. In addition to this, I felt that the Romans wouldn't be impressed with Baltimore, I guess that's implied by the previous sentence. But that's neither here nor there. I must now apologize as I often do for not blogging for a while. I'm hopping to improve at this, but if you all saw my job description/expectation sheet, you may wonder if I had time to eat. It will be fun to work out all the quirks. I'm hoping to post my job description soon. I've currently misplaced it, and I'm too embarrassed to ask for another copy as it makes me look bad, and Trina gets really embarrassed as she feels it reflects on her a bit. Fortunately the people here are very quality, and most have a good sense of humor. The couple we're staying with are good people. I should give a shout out to Richard and Allison for letting us trash their basement this week. Also, they have a cat called "Lucinda" who drools when you pet her. Of course when you're me, you love stuff like that. Needless to say I pet her all the time as fast as possible. Also, last night I noticed that she has nightmares, and meows very painfully in her sleep. I wanted to film her, but I didn't feel like unpacking any camera gear at this point, pluss Lucinda is very overweight, and I don't have to tell you the camera adds 20 pounds, but I could help that in after effects. Possibly we'll meet again, Lucinda and I, and I can film her again, and of course I'll post that footage, if I ever get it.
I'm impressed with how messy Trina and I are... but trina can find anything... Like this morning she found my belt that I had lost for the last two days. I was walking around World Relief Head Quarters meeting people and pulling my pants up... wondering when I could buy another belt. At least I haven't lost my passport. Possibly if someone who reads this... if anyone still does... if I could get the red heads blog info... that would be great. I love all of you faithful readers, all two of you, and I think one of the two is me, and I do love me. Thanks for well, everything. Much love from the east coast. Until next time.

Heroes

I think everyone should have heroes in life, and I thought I should share some of mine. I have so many heroes, and some I can't mention because they have to keep their identities secret but some I can mention. I'll start with Pat Thurman. More than a friend has Pat been to me over the years. My buddy Tony (who is also one of my heroes) said that he believes Pat is an angel. If so, Pat is one of the more cuddly unintimidating angles I've ever encountered. My buddy Andy, Nathaniel, and I think that Pat may be of the same stock as the Apostles of the first century, and we have had several pub discussions throughout the years and though we haven't arrived at any definitive conclusions we are convinced that he is something phenomenal. Allen Hlavka has suggested that when the Thurmans enter a room the presence of the Spirit can be felt. I've noticed this myself: that whenever I see or spend time with Pat, I feel a peace the whole time I'm around him. I've not noticed this with anyone else I've met. Numerous times Pat has been an answered prayer for me on numerous occasions. Paul has said to his readers "imitate me as I imitate Christ" I often attempt to imitate Pat.
My brother Jesse, and my Dad. These guys are incredible. My dad has been through the ringer; life has not been easy for him. There are countless stories of Captain Bob Chase enduring hardships. He's survived three shipwrecks, he's ministered on the streets, in prison, on the job, at home, and in the church. My dad is a constant reminder that no matter how tough it gets, don't whine, just keep pushing forward. My brother is one of the brightest and diligent people I know. Jesse, is a living example of "following your dreams." Jesse took huge risks, and worked harder than most, and has one of the most successful companies in the state where he operates. He also gives more money away than almost anyone else I know. I think Randy Alcorn has him beat but that's about it. Jesse also has character. He's a straight shooter, and he raises his family with Christ like morals. He's honest, and he continually challenges himself. I'm super proud of Jesse, and I'm honored to be his brother. He is a hero of mine. I have a few friends that are heroes of mine: Tony Whipps, and Dan Franklin. Tony is humility manifest, he's a good steward, he's self aware, he loves unconditionally, and he can predict a song that will play on whatever radio station your listening to right before his predicted song plays. In fact this is one of his super powers. He also has great hair. It doesn't matter what kind of hair cut he gets... it just works on him. Dan is a fantastic thinker, he's self aware as well, and he has critical thinking capabilities that rival histories most critical thinkers. He also runs his own think tank, and is the only one in it as the thinking capacity of the tank itself is at its max with his thinking capabilities alone. The tank simply can't handle any more thinkers. He's also got a dry unmatchable delivery on most of his jokes, which place him among the funniest people I've ever known. He's a great movie companion and father... but not to me (he's not a father figure to me, that is) he's a father to Mathew... and that's okay with me. Dan is a great teacher, and he's also great at watching 24. I can't mention all my other heroes on this post, lest the villains get to much info and try to exploit their weaknesses. I suspect Dan is probably already under some sort of villainous attack. I will mention Jeremy Pietzold. He has the super power of laying fibre, and speeding up peoples Internet connection. Unfortunately he can only do this in the state of Oregon. He's not national, or global, but we hope one day he branches out. He's also persistent, thorough, and bright. As a child he set a world record for most pull ups in a row, at his local Sandy elementary school. He's very good at building houses without being a professional builder. He's really quite incredible. There are 12 other heroes I'd like to mention but I simply don't have the time or energy. I will mention their public identities; supertuck, greasyboy, burundius maxiumus, festidious flabb, crazy bowels, frickis, Dane the sharp, Jenuin the wise, flower girl, munchius, frenchy the bagel, and last but not least, concave chest. Thank you men and women, for all you are, and for all the service you provide for humanity.

the great commissioning

Hopefully my parents will log on and watch this little commissioning video of this last weekend. We're getting closer and closer to leaving for a few years. This last weekend we were commissioned by our church to serve in Burundi, Africa. And if all goes well with the video, those who missed it can watch the video clip of our church sending us off and praying for us (you have to click the little pink box in the upper right corner of this post. This commissioning surpassed all our expectations (Trina and I) and we are so thankful for the support of this church. Pat Thurman, came to every service to pray on stage with US as did Ryan Moffat, Janie and Jonathan Martin. That blew me away. Also, Kristin came up twice, Rakel was there, Dan Franklin, Lou, Gene Takalo, Trina's parents, grandparents, Allen, and so many others. I really can't communicate to you all how much of a blessing you all were to us this last weekend. The weekend was an emotional high for both of us, and it is difficult leaving you all. This was genuinely one of those big moments for us on our journey here. Never before has good shepherd felt so much like family as it did to us this weekend. I really can't thank everyone enough who has poured into us. Here is a link to the video if you don't want to click on the little pink box in the corner... unfortunately it's refusing to be posted on this blog right now... you can copy and paste it into your address bar: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9192121701640831927

Cursed are the feet that bring no news

So my left foot has seen better days. I left the square piece of gauze on to cover the large wound on the top right corner. I found out a few days ago that the bottom half of my foot wont be able to be operated on before we leave the country. So it will have to wait a few years. My sister-in-law, Jill thinks that feet are disgusting. She hates feet. But a few years ago when we had "the great feet debates" I told her that I like feet and went on to compare feet to a beautiful sunset. She was appalled, and wondered what kind of family she was marrying into. Naturally it was a family with a proper perspective on sunsets. I'm afraid to report that I have changed my mind this passed year. I'm no longer a feet fan. I don't mind sunsets though. It's funny the way you really appreciate your body parts after they get hacked up. The first day back from surgery, I thought about how fortunate I am to be able to walk. Now that I can't walk, I really desire to walk again and am hoping that this foot will heal, and a healthy foot will be restored to me. Trina will be happy once it heals too, because I'll stop tracking blood and messy bandages all over our little apartment. So far I've only wrecked one pillow. I'm putting these pics up, so that I can see how well my foot heals. And Trina wanted to test her new camera that she just got at an incredible price thanks to Karen Coleman. I think She's pleased with it. She likes it more than my left foot to be sure, and possibly my right foot too!
Plantars Warts man, who'd of thought. I go my whole life free from this viral infection, then all the sudden at age 27 look out. The thing you can learn from me, is when you get the first one. Get it taken care of. Don't wait two years or so hoping they'll go away. Accept the fact the your body isn't becoming immune. I gotta tell you though. This Dr. Mozena, who I've been seeing for my feet. Great guy, and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend him. I'll leave you with this African proverb: "Only a fool tests the depths of water with both feet."

Omniscience

Next to God, I think google is a distant second on knowing everything. Granted, google doesn’t know the number of hairs on my head. I already tried last year at google merely said: FAQ - Number of Hairs

Q. How many hairs are there on my head? From Apply Now, Your Guide to Hair Loss. ... A. Each person's head has an average of 100000 hair follicles. ... hairloss.about.com/od/thehairgrowthcycle/f/Number.htm - 18k - Jan 2, 2006

As you can see google simply averages out the number of each persons hair. Then makes illogical leaps assuming that I’m worried about hair loss. Google doesn’t know the exact number of my or anyone’s hair, nor does google make the proper assumption, “that I have more anxiety over my ever increasing gray hairs.” God has the corner on that info. Hopefully, later on in life, a google search of, Seth Chase will have some exciting and quirky results. But right now google isn’t “on to me” (which is even more evidence for google being less omniscient than God). There are the classic humans that google is aware of… like google knows Randy Alcorn, and Stu Weber, and has a lot to say about those guys, but mainly google just tells you were to buy their books. I asked google if he/she/search engine/demigod had any dirt on Randy or Stu, but all I got for Randy was : Giving 5

You begin to dig and which each shove full of dirt tossed aside you think of ... Randy Alcorn, The Law of Rewards. • If you want a heart for missions … give ... www.rftpsermons.com/giving5.html - 22k - Cached - Similar pages

Similar search results followed for many pages and Stu’s search wasn’t any edgier. Possibly there is no dirt on those guys, they both have a great history of sanctification under their belts, but they’d be the first to tell yah that they’re not perfect. Now, I have googled some people I thought I knew; and google has shown me that I didn’t know them at all. Take Rainy Takalo for example. She’s in cahoots with Rick Steves’. That’s right I said it, you heard it from me first. Rainy gives out some interesting information though. She mentions that she has a “cheap Swiss heritage” and she tells us to “avoid the Gruyere Factory tour, because it costs 5 Swiss Francs to see pictures, narrated by a cow.” If you don’t believe me, go ahead and google Rainy for yourself… but the most astonishing person you thought you knew: Ruth King. You might think Ruth is financial guru for Good Shepherd whose office is guarded diligently by two red heads. You might think Ruth has a gentle demeanor, and cool hair… but that’s not all there is to know about Ruth. Ruth is a respected author and expert on “women and rage.” She’s got a M.A. in psychology, and she’s a fantastic Blues Musician (which helps explain the cool hair). Ruth is also a CEO of Business TVChannel.com. And when she’s not busy doing all the above mentioned pursuits, She’s painting experimental abstract art. Did I mention that she’s an associate prof at Ohio State as well? Ruth, you are an amazing women. Without all those credentials, I thought you were amazing. Way to fly under the radar! And if you want a tip from Mr. Seth Chase, here it is: Look into starting a “women and rage group” at Good Shepherd and see what happens.

My friend Dan

It took me about two hours to get on my blog. Which brings me to a new low. It seems to me, I can't remember passwords anymore. And I'm not even thirty yet! In addition to this. Computers don't like me. Whenever they ask me to put in those swirvy letter verifications... I enter what I think they are, and then I get declined. Then my A.D.D kicks in and I start doing something else. A.D.D has been extremely helpful these days... yeah it's been destructive too. But it's a great defense mechanism. When I get frustrated because I can't remember a password or do letter verifications after I vent some anger, I begin to start doing something else. Like see what movies are playing, or looking at other peoples blogs because I can't log onto mine. Inevitably I land on my friend Dan Franklin's blog. I love his blog, because he rates movies, and nine times out of ten, I dig the movies that he digs. Plus Dan and I decided we are best friends that never hang out. Which is new terrain for friendships I feel. Because come on... who doesn't want to hang out with their best friend? Yet Dan and I just can't seem to find the time. And he only lives a mile away. Mine as well be Australia as far as we're concerned. We just can't make it work. I should mention as well that we work at the same place, and attended the same seminary, and church... yet, we can't seem to find each other... and his office is two doors down from the office that I work out of. Crazy. This is the first best friends that never hang out situation I've ever been in, and I gotta say, it's quite interesting. We also share the same taste in music, and we like the same authors, and like I said, I like his blog. His blog entitled "almost" I found to be quite entertaining. Plus, his blog where he critiques Deja Vu is very entertaining, and I didn't see the movie just because of his review, and I'm a huge Tony Scott fan! Another interesting fact about Dan and I is that there is one movie out there that pretty much nobody saw for some reason, and it was our favorite movie in college, though neither of us new it at the time. We only discovered this years after we graduated in a conversation we had at a bar in Vilnius Lithuania two years ago. That movie: "the zero effect." Nobody is aware of this gem. And what is really funny is, neither of us had been to Portland Oregon at the time we saw this movie, and the whole thing was shot here, in portland. We only realized this after we watched the movie again once we both actually lived here, and then realized that the whole thing was filmed here. Wow, that sentence was confusing, and really not that funny. So I want to take this time to rate Dan Franklin's blog. I give it a 8.5 out of ten. He could be a lot funnier if he wanted to. Yet he chooses not to, I like his overall layout. The only downer is he went with the narrow blog post format, so you have to do a lot of scrolling. But he takes great pics, his movie reviews are solid. And every post is interesting on some level... if not informative. In addition to this he posts frequently, unlike myself which is why I'm giving my blog a 7.2.Nice work Dan, that's the highest rating I've given any blog a solid 8.2. Just one point higher than my blog! Where I have you beat in my mind is the wider blog format so you don't have to scroll as much, and my colors are more vibrant... giving the view "a happy go lucky" feel. My blog lacks movie reviews which is a bummer, so I got to start that... but a redeeming quality is the entertaining short flicks that can be seen from short flicks section. I'll be awaiting a review of my blog from you in the not too distant future. Maybe we should be blogging friends, predominately communicating through blog since we never see each other. Something to consider for the future. Keep up the blogging Dan. Cheers. Seth