To receive the Mudges' prayer mails and newsletters, or to contact them by email for any reason, please send a message to Shaw or Julie, which goes directly to them, through the Diocesan clerical directory webpages for priests.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

This is our weekly public prayer mail.

This week's update:

This week has had everything from the heights of Heaven to the depths of Hell and back again. Well, back again for some of us. Julie is visiting Lydia at this time, and the enemy is working overtime. Meanwhile, they are not far from Salem, Massachusetts, as witches descend, heavy traffic on Route 128. At the full moon, just before Halloween. Before the big storm.

Praise God for all the great students who are doing wonderful work in Belize. They are a real blessing.

Praise God for our praying friends. You are a real blessing.

Praise God for our family. You are a real blessing. All of you.

Praise God for God. He is a real blessing.

Prayer requests:

1) Against the storm. Some of our Belizean friends are joining us in this. They have lot of experience praying with hurricanes. They suggest praying the storm into a depression. I suggest praying that the jet stream would move further to the East and in this way, take the storm out over the Atlantic.

2) For our family.

3) For the students and the courses. I plan to start a series on the Holy Spirit in about a week and a half.

4) That people's lives would be transformed by what we do and teach, to the glory of God.

5) For the plans to visit the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Tanzania in March, and plans to visit Belize after Easter.

6) That the Lord of all the saints would be honored on October 31st, especially in the Salem, Massachusetts, area.

Your prayers are really important for us. I pray for you every day.

God bless you, and thank you for praying.

In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+

Friday, October 26, 2012

A Comment from Fr. Shaw and Scripture Prayer

Father Shaw's Comment:

We had an interesting time last night. One of the Spanish speaking women had never had an email account before, and with help of others in Belize she was able to get one. Then, I put her into the program. Wow. She was thrilled. Email was new, and then, to see the course in action,.... Those both were big moments for her. She was not up to the full class, but she enjoyed just watching it take place, and enjoyed it when the English speakers in the class said hello to her in Spanish.

Scripture Prayer:

Psalm 31:19

Oh how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!

Father God, we thank You again for all the blessings that you have sent to Father Shaw and his students. How abundant is your goodness, Lord! Please continue to be with Father Shaw as he expands the curriculum and starts teaching Spanish speaking students as well as the English. Show him, Lord, how to teach students of so many different levels of ability, all at the same time. Thank You for your merciful grace bestowed upon Fr. Shaw and his students, and to all who will learn from them, all the children of mankind. Amen.







Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

This is our weekly public prayer mail.

This week's update:

1) Developments continue for connecting with two other theological colleges (seminaries) in the Caribbean: one is in Jamaica and the other is in Barbados. Of the two, Jamaica appears more likely, probably because of their online capabilities.

Further discussions are anticipated when the Provincial Synod (the equivalent of General Convention for the entire Province of the West Indies) meets in Jamaica on November 9 to 17. It is an exciting venture, always keeping one on the edge of one's seat.

2) Lydia came home from college for a few days on break, and has returned. Ah, college life. With its ups and downs.

3) Students are settling into their studies. Some students have interesting cultural approaches to education. Some surprises.

4) We have also been preparing for another experiment this week: holding evening interactive lecture times during the week for students who can not attend the lectures on Saturday mornings.

5) We have been planning for an experiment in bilingual education (which begins this week): to see if it is feasible for Spanish speaking students (from the West of Belize) to join with English speaking students (in other parts of Belize), each speaking their own language, as part of the same interactive lecture, at the same time. I get to teach in this environment and to respond to each group. This experiment has potential cultural significance as well as a being an experiment in linguistic technique.

Prayer requests:

1) For a cessation of violence in the West of Belize. Several young women/girls have been murdered. Unusual for this area.

2) For the Holy Spirit's guidance with the various educational initiatives that I have mentioned, above.

3) For the students.

4) That people's lives would be transformed by what we teach, to the glory of God.

5) For the plans to visit the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Tanzania in March, and plans to visit Belize after Easter.

6) For the addition of new students this week, and more in January. As we continue to develop courses in the direction of the "24/7" version, it is becoming increasingly possible for students to start a course at any time.

Your prayers are really important for us. I pray for you every day.
God bless you, and thank you for praying.

In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+

October Newsletter

News from the Synod in Belize.

Shaw attended the Synod (diocesan convention) of the Diocese of Belize in Belize City in mid-October. Their Synod is held every other year. He extended greetings from President Stewart Wicker of SAMS and from Bishop William Love of the Diocese of Albany: to the Synod, to Bishop Philip of the Diocese of Belize, and to Archbishop John of the Anglican Province of the West Indies.

The Synod and the Bishop Philip honored Shaw for the work that he has already done with the on-line theological seminary, on behalf of the Diocese of Belize.

While at the Synod, he 1) was asked to facilitate the formative meeting of a new commission pertaining to Total Ministry in the parishes of the Diocese, 2) gave a presentation for Synod attendees about the Anglican Online program. Several Synod members expressed an interest in taking courses. 3) Because of the way that he addressed the Spanish speaking members in Spanish during his presentation, he was subsequently asked to be one of the translators for the Spanish speaking Synod members, and 4) he had a separate meeting with students, and all who attended were Cursillistas, and most had been team members.

In a pre-Synod meeting between Shaw and Archbishop John of the Province of the West Indies, the Archbishop put his stamp of approval for the Belizean program and suggested that Shaw might contact the two Anglican seminaries in the Caribbean about a joint venture of some sort. That is a step by step process, but Bp. Philip of the Diocese of Belize has already started to contact the other seminaries as part of this effort.

Bishop Philip and Archbishop John welcome people in North America and Africa to participate in the program, alongside the Belizean students. The courses are in English.

If you are interested in participating in classes with Belizean students, please contact Shaw.

Cultural factoid:

Because he has a Doctor of Ministry degree, most people in Belize and (now somewhat across the Province of the Caribbean) refer to Shaw as “Dr. Shaw”. That is, he is called Dr. Shaw by most people except for Bishop Philip and some others who are beginning to call him “Doc” when not formally introducing him, perhaps a cultural indication that he has become part of the diocesan team.

Shaw with Bishop Philip of Belize and Archbishop John of the Church in the Province of the West Indies, October 2012, immediately after Shaw’s meeting with the Archbishop.




Friday, October 19, 2012

Scripture Prayer

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness and joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more.

Father God, we thank You for every blessing, especially for all the positive results of Father Shaw's visit to Belize. Thank You that he had fruitful visits with the Archbishop of the West Indies and the Bishop of Belize and some of his students. We thank You that the on-line program is growing and that students from the US and Tanzania can start benefitting from the curriculum.  .Lord, continue to be with Father Shaw as he develops new courses. Also, show Mother Julie what her role is to be in this effort. We pray that Lydia is doing well in college and that Hannah and Ruth are thriving as well.

Indeed, Lord, You make known the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

This is our weekly public prayer mail.

This week's update:

1) I have had a wonderful trip in Belize. Gave a presentation at the Diocesan Synod (the Synod is held every two years). Led a discussion group that started planning total ministry in the Diocese over the next two years. Talked with students. Added more potential students. Spent perhaps 2 hours of quality time with Bp. Philip, and another hour and a half separately with Archbishop John. A great time was had by all. This was Archbishop John's first visit to the Diocese of Belize since Bp. Philip was consecrated Bishop.

2) I received permission from both Bishop Philip and Archbishop John, that if anyone in Tanzania or North America wishes to take my online courses, an option is to join the same courses that the students in Belize are taking. Classes are in English. Please contact me for more information.

Prayer requests:

1) For safe and timely travel for all our family members, and good health.

2) For completing the follow-up matters from the trip.

3) For my contacting the heads of the two other Anglican seminaries: in Jamaica and Barbados this week by email. This has been a suggestion of both Bishop Philip and Archbishop John. In fact, Bp. Philip has already contacted them about my pending email messages. I am awaiting a further message from Bp. Philip.

4) For the timing of the next trip to Belize. It may be a trip that takes me to Belize as well as meeting with the leaders of the two other Anglican seminaries in their respective countries. This meeting has been proposed by Bishop Philip.

5) For the plans to visit the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Tanzania in March.

God bless you, and thank you for praying for us. Your prayers are really important for us, and I pray for you every day.

In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+

Friday, October 12, 2012

Safe Arrival in Belize

Dear Praying friends,

I have arrived safely in Belize and am attending the Synod.

I arrived during the second strike of the week in the western part of Belize that has taken place because of the frequency of murders there. Yes, that part of the country is protesting that there are too many recent murders, there.

During the afternoon, I had a one and a half hour meeting with the Archbishop of the Province of the Church in the West Indies today about the path ahead for our online education program, integrating into the rest of the Province. So, with his blessing, I have a path forward. Pray that the Lord would guide this project.

I was welcomed warmly at the opening Holy Eucharist at the Synod tonight.

I started out the travel day about 1:30 am Belize time, and now I am concluding the day about mid-night on the same day: that's a 22.5 hour day. I did get a few hours sleep during flights and in the afternoon.

Tomorrow (Friday) I am to address the Synod, briefly. I have had an opportunity to talk briefly with students, potential students, and others.

God bless you,
Shaw+



Thursday, October 11, 2012

Scripture Prayer

Prayer for Travelers (BCP page 831)

O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel, in particular Father Shaw Mudge, surround him with your loving care; protect him from every danger; and bring him in safety to his journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Father God, we lift up Father Shaw to you this day as he travels to Belize and meets with the Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies today. We pray for every travel mercy. We pray for your Holy Spirit to be with Father Shaw and the Archbishop. May their discussion lead to many more students from the West Indies benefitting from Father Shaw’s on-line program.

We pray for all events at the Synod of the Diocese of Belize. And we pray for the rest of this trip, especially when Father Shaw meets face to face those students that he has been teaching via the internet; and for all future students as well, and for the continuing development of the curriculum. May all teaching and all the student’s work be done in the power of your Holy Spirit.

We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

This is our weekly public prayer mail.

This week's update:

1) My visit to the Diocese of Belize annual Synod begins on Thursday, including making a presentation to the Synod, meeting with the Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies, and meeting with students after the Synod.

2) We had a great visit at Grace Church, Waterford, today.

3) Praise God! I am receiving more and more requests about our program, such as: how to find it, or where to see specific program updates other than what is on our blogsite, etc. My response is in two parts.

a) The best thing to do is for people to drop by our open program Web site: OATC (Online Anglican Theological College).

Browse the Web site: https://sites.google.com/site/onlineanglicancampus/

b) And, if you are interested in looking at the courses themselves, perhaps you want to read the assignments for your own benefit or you want to participate in courses, you need an account for our Moodle Anglican-Theology classroom site. If so, please contact me, and let me know what you would like to do. I can advise a personalized plan of study for you, depending on your goals.

Even if you have spoken to me about wanting to take courses, now is a good time to send me an email request about this.

Prayer requests:

1) For the plans at the Synod of the Diocese of Belize, over the next week, and for safe and timely travel.

2) For the present and future students in our programs, and for program design and that teaching and the student work would be done in the power of the Holy Spirit.

3) For the plans to visit the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Tanzania in March.

God bless you, and thank you for praying for us. Your prayers are really important for us, and I pray for you every day.

In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+
SAMS missionaries, as well as missionaries of the Diocese of Albany
Serving globally.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Scripture Prayer

John 15:26

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for being with Father Shaw and his students in Belize. Holy Spirit, come in all your power to impress these servants with the truth so that they can most effectively bear witness to Jesus.

Be especially with Father Shaw as he prepares for his trip to Belize, a presentation at the Diocesan Synod and meetings with the Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies and with his students.

We pray for the continued development of the online courses and for the plans to start a program in Tanzania and to open up the courses to interested parties from the Diocese of Albany.

We thank You Lord, that You do provide for those who love You, who work for You according to your purpose.

Amen.





Monday, October 1, 2012

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

This is our weekly public prayer mail.

This week's update:

Things are shaping up for my visit to the Diocese of Belize annual Synod in about 2 weeks, including making a presentation, meeting with the Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies, and meeting with students.

Plans are in the works for a trip to the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Tanzania in early March to firm up final plans for their online program.

We had a great visit to St. Paul's in Brookfield, CT, today. I preached; Julie and I were at the altar with the Rector. A wonderful congregation.

I also redesigned our seminary webpage, to focus solely on Belize and W. Tanganyika. If anyone else would like to participate in courses, please let me know by email (lay people or clergy). You could start in 2013 with courses available (and continue as courses are developed) as you desire.

Prayer requests:

1) For our students, classes, and the continued development of the online courses.

2) For the plans at the Synod of the Diocese of Belize, the week after next.

3) For the plans to visit the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Tanzania in March.

4) For Julie leading services at Grace, Church, Waterford, next Sunday.

God bless you, and thank you for praying for us. Your prayers are really important for us, and I pray for you every day.

In Christ,
Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+
SAMS missionaries, as well as missionaries of the Diocese of Albany
Serving globally.