Wednesday, November 11
We Praise You, Oh God, for Beautiful Movies
Showed my German housemate Das Leben den Anderen (The Lives of Others) last night. I knew it was great, but I had forgotten just how beautiful that film is.
Tuesday, November 10
Something that you do
Lord, as I stand before
you now and humbly wait,
I am hoping that you will
elucidate
all the thoughts and acts and feelings
that always have me reeling
in my spirit, in my mind,
and at my core.
Is that something that you do?
People, they have told me
–well, when people are talking–
just to let you hold me,
just to keep on walking,
but if that’s all that there is, this
seems a passive kind of business
and I need to know there’s nothing
that you’re waiting on me for.
Is that something that you do?
Yes, holy father, I admit
I love and trust you,
but sometimes I wonder
what I trust you with,
trust you to do.
I know there has to be a line
somewhere between your jobs and mine,
and I need that line defined.
Is that something that you do?
you now and humbly wait,
I am hoping that you will
elucidate
all the thoughts and acts and feelings
that always have me reeling
in my spirit, in my mind,
and at my core.
Is that something that you do?
People, they have told me
–well, when people are talking–
just to let you hold me,
just to keep on walking,
but if that’s all that there is, this
seems a passive kind of business
and I need to know there’s nothing
that you’re waiting on me for.
Is that something that you do?
Yes, holy father, I admit
I love and trust you,
but sometimes I wonder
what I trust you with,
trust you to do.
I know there has to be a line
somewhere between your jobs and mine,
and I need that line defined.
Is that something that you do?
Saturday, November 7
Choose Your Own Frustration
Brett is new to the umbrella scene. Do you know...
a) How to keep from being buffeted by the wind like Mary Poppins while holding a sail over your head? If so, skip to (e). If not, continue reading with (b).
b) How to stop the spines/spokes from being bent by the wind into unsightly angles? If so, skip to (e). If not, continue reading with (c).
c) How to return said spines/spokes to straight umbrella-shaped lines? If so, skip to (e). If not, continue reading with (d).
d) Congratulations! You are Brett, and your new umbrella has been buffeted into irrevocable and unsightly angles.
e) You are wise in the ways of the umberell. Share your knowledge with your less enlightened friends.
a) How to keep from being buffeted by the wind like Mary Poppins while holding a sail over your head? If so, skip to (e). If not, continue reading with (b).
b) How to stop the spines/spokes from being bent by the wind into unsightly angles? If so, skip to (e). If not, continue reading with (c).
c) How to return said spines/spokes to straight umbrella-shaped lines? If so, skip to (e). If not, continue reading with (d).
d) Congratulations! You are Brett, and your new umbrella has been buffeted into irrevocable and unsightly angles.
e) You are wise in the ways of the umberell. Share your knowledge with your less enlightened friends.
Sunday, November 1
Newsletter Action
Hello all!
I have now been in Vancouver, British Columbia for about 2 months, and I am settling in. The first couple of weeks were a rough transition, but I have been learning about how to get around the city (by bus, mainly, which takes forever) and where to find what.
Money has been very tight, as there have been some complications with donations. We have discovered, for one, that US dollar donations are only eligible for Canadian tax receipts. Unfortunately, Living Waters Canada has no agency to provide US tax receipts! So, my apologies to those of you who have donated and are looking for your receipt. We’ve talked with the people from Living Waters in the US, but they are unable to help us with this matter.
Another problem with donations has been that the Canadian government views the processing of donations for me as a type of paycheque, something that I am not allowed to receive in my role as an unpaid intern. Consequently, though I have received a good amount in donations, those funds have not been able to reach me yet. Please pray for this situation. For those who are not able to receive tax receipts anyway (what a mess, eh?), making donations directly to me may be the best way to get around this, but I do hope for a solution soon.
As long as I’m into the bad news, there is one other matter for which I would appreciate prayer. I am currently living in a house with two other Christian men. Unfortunately, one of those men is not what many would refer to as stable. There have been a few violent outbursts and uncomfortable interactions in the house. I am not sure if I should move out or ride it out. Please pray that discernment and positive change can occur in this area.
And one last piece of bad news…my computer recently required $700 worth of repairs. Just what I needed.
Now, for the good news!
I am loving every minute of my work with Living Waters! The staff is incredible, the atmosphere is redemptive, and the projects are exciting. Recently, we completed construction on two new offices in order to accommodate the large number of interns this year. I am now sharing an office a fellow American, Matt Martin, who is in charge of the River program (more about this in a minute). Matt is a great guy, and we’re the same age and have similar ministry goals, so I think it will be a great working environment.
Let me take a minute to introduce you to our national staff. Toni is the head of Living Waters Canada. Daniel is the BC coordinator. Ricky and Alison work on the administrative side of things. Kirsten is in charge of interns and special events. Matt runs the River, as already stated. My fellow interns are Shelfie (from Indonesia), Maria (from Victoria, BC), and Adam (from Newfoundland). Our office space is also shared with the International China Concern, the Ratanak Foundation (which deals with the Cambodian sex trade), and the Pacific Counseling Group. It’s a great group, and I enjoy everyone who works here.
But speaking of work, what do I actually do? I get asked that a lot, and as an intern, the answer (of course) includes “whatever needs done”. But Living Waters Canada is not like every other office out there, and they view the internship program as a service to us, the interns, instead of to them. Therefore, my schedule is entirely structured around what I want and need out of my experience here.
Much of that involves personal growth and development, including spiritual direction, counseling, prayer, study, and ministry training. But it also involves the use of my skills and gifts.
We are currently in the middle of creating a specific Canadian manual for our Living Waters courses. (Until now, we have used the American edition.) I am in charge of soliciting and editing personal testimonies from across Canada for inclusion in this manual as well as the editing of new content and the writing of one chapter. Obviously, all that keeps me busy, but I love it.
Another big project I’m involved with is the reshaping of The River. The River is the regular Living Waters course adapted for teens and young adults. The material has been run in Canada a couple times, but it is over a decade old and uneven in quality. We are in the process of reimagining it form the ground up. It’s pretty exciting! I have been able to write a number of dramatic scenes for inclusion and to help in presenting the material to the seniors at a local Christian high school.
That’s a brief rundown of my days here. There’s a lot more, and it’s been great. God is really ministering to me through my time here. I am maturing and growing more confident in my gifts and skills. I am learning how to interact in healthy Christian relationships of different kinds. I am growing in my faith and in my identity in Christ. It’s an exciting time! Thanks for being a part of it!
-Brett Alan Dewing
2648 E 45 Avenue
Vancouver BC V5R 3C1
Canada
778-848-5444
I have now been in Vancouver, British Columbia for about 2 months, and I am settling in. The first couple of weeks were a rough transition, but I have been learning about how to get around the city (by bus, mainly, which takes forever) and where to find what.
Money has been very tight, as there have been some complications with donations. We have discovered, for one, that US dollar donations are only eligible for Canadian tax receipts. Unfortunately, Living Waters Canada has no agency to provide US tax receipts! So, my apologies to those of you who have donated and are looking for your receipt. We’ve talked with the people from Living Waters in the US, but they are unable to help us with this matter.
Another problem with donations has been that the Canadian government views the processing of donations for me as a type of paycheque, something that I am not allowed to receive in my role as an unpaid intern. Consequently, though I have received a good amount in donations, those funds have not been able to reach me yet. Please pray for this situation. For those who are not able to receive tax receipts anyway (what a mess, eh?), making donations directly to me may be the best way to get around this, but I do hope for a solution soon.
As long as I’m into the bad news, there is one other matter for which I would appreciate prayer. I am currently living in a house with two other Christian men. Unfortunately, one of those men is not what many would refer to as stable. There have been a few violent outbursts and uncomfortable interactions in the house. I am not sure if I should move out or ride it out. Please pray that discernment and positive change can occur in this area.
And one last piece of bad news…my computer recently required $700 worth of repairs. Just what I needed.
Now, for the good news!
I am loving every minute of my work with Living Waters! The staff is incredible, the atmosphere is redemptive, and the projects are exciting. Recently, we completed construction on two new offices in order to accommodate the large number of interns this year. I am now sharing an office a fellow American, Matt Martin, who is in charge of the River program (more about this in a minute). Matt is a great guy, and we’re the same age and have similar ministry goals, so I think it will be a great working environment.
Let me take a minute to introduce you to our national staff. Toni is the head of Living Waters Canada. Daniel is the BC coordinator. Ricky and Alison work on the administrative side of things. Kirsten is in charge of interns and special events. Matt runs the River, as already stated. My fellow interns are Shelfie (from Indonesia), Maria (from Victoria, BC), and Adam (from Newfoundland). Our office space is also shared with the International China Concern, the Ratanak Foundation (which deals with the Cambodian sex trade), and the Pacific Counseling Group. It’s a great group, and I enjoy everyone who works here.
But speaking of work, what do I actually do? I get asked that a lot, and as an intern, the answer (of course) includes “whatever needs done”. But Living Waters Canada is not like every other office out there, and they view the internship program as a service to us, the interns, instead of to them. Therefore, my schedule is entirely structured around what I want and need out of my experience here.
Much of that involves personal growth and development, including spiritual direction, counseling, prayer, study, and ministry training. But it also involves the use of my skills and gifts.
We are currently in the middle of creating a specific Canadian manual for our Living Waters courses. (Until now, we have used the American edition.) I am in charge of soliciting and editing personal testimonies from across Canada for inclusion in this manual as well as the editing of new content and the writing of one chapter. Obviously, all that keeps me busy, but I love it.
Another big project I’m involved with is the reshaping of The River. The River is the regular Living Waters course adapted for teens and young adults. The material has been run in Canada a couple times, but it is over a decade old and uneven in quality. We are in the process of reimagining it form the ground up. It’s pretty exciting! I have been able to write a number of dramatic scenes for inclusion and to help in presenting the material to the seniors at a local Christian high school.
That’s a brief rundown of my days here. There’s a lot more, and it’s been great. God is really ministering to me through my time here. I am maturing and growing more confident in my gifts and skills. I am learning how to interact in healthy Christian relationships of different kinds. I am growing in my faith and in my identity in Christ. It’s an exciting time! Thanks for being a part of it!
-Brett Alan Dewing
2648 E 45 Avenue
Vancouver BC V5R 3C1
Canada
778-848-5444
Wednesday, October 14
Not that I'm going to get all proud about it
I am in the majority. At least, I have been most of my life. I am a white American man. We're a dime a dozen.
But I have always felt that these three things, being Caucasian, male, and American, were the worst things to be. I have seen such arrogance and abuse of power among these groups, and as an English student, I learned quickly that I was the oppressor. I moved to Canada, and I learned that being American was the least desirable nationality.
I have, largely unaware, felt much shame over this identity. No more. I refuse to feel shame for my gender, race, or nationality anymore.
Deal with it.
But I have always felt that these three things, being Caucasian, male, and American, were the worst things to be. I have seen such arrogance and abuse of power among these groups, and as an English student, I learned quickly that I was the oppressor. I moved to Canada, and I learned that being American was the least desirable nationality.
I have, largely unaware, felt much shame over this identity. No more. I refuse to feel shame for my gender, race, or nationality anymore.
Deal with it.
Saturday, October 10
Me and the Pope, baby
I am excitedly starting to read Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II)'s play "THe Jeweler's Shop". The introduction excites me by describing his theatre style as such:
"it is not a play of external action but a drama of moral attitudes"
and
"a drama of inner development, recounted in both the past and the present, as if reflecting a metaphysical perspective"
In other words, he writes play like mine!
Theatre of Being forever!
"it is not a play of external action but a drama of moral attitudes"
and
"a drama of inner development, recounted in both the past and the present, as if reflecting a metaphysical perspective"
In other words, he writes play like mine!
Theatre of Being forever!
Thursday, October 8
Random Shadows and Light
The daily Metro paper here ran a story yesterday about the potential Egyptian ban on "fake virginity kits". It explained that in the Middle East these things were serious because "premarital sex can sometimes be considered illicit"!
So, I couldn't find a good picture of it. It says "Report the Suspicious, not the Strange" with a cartoon-rabbit-shaped hole in a door on one wide and a man with a crowbar at a door on the other.
Almost unrelated, I've seen a couple of ads I quite like lately. There are the beer (which brand?) posters that quote Shakespeare's "We are for the dark" alongside Poe-y ravens, etc. Also love the (again beer) slogan "Carpe P.M."
And I think these ads for the transit police tip line are well-done:
So, I couldn't find a good picture of it. It says "Report the Suspicious, not the Strange" with a cartoon-rabbit-shaped hole in a door on one wide and a man with a crowbar at a door on the other.
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