For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Cor 8:9

Usually we would have posted an update well before this, but this year has been far from usual. However, we are both well, and Joy has fully recovered from her operation and its aftermath. At this point we anticipate spending time in Africa in the second half of next year. Over the last three months we have been able to do some substantial catching up. This has included:Working with Vundi Nason (left), a lecturer at Scott Theological College, in order to enable him to complete his PhD Thesis in Development Studies. This is now with the examiners, one of whom is in South Africa and two in Australia.

We are confident that he will be passed and graduate next May from the University of Fort Hare in South Africa.

More recently we have been able to provide support for Isaac Mutua (right with his wife, Beth, and two children) in his role as Executive Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education in Africa. This is an African initiative with international links through the International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education.This support has taken the form of advice on operational issues and a major updating of the CPCHEA web site.

Stuart is also Managing Editor of the free, peer-reviewed academic journal, African Journal for Transformational Scholarship sponsored by CPCHEA. This journal has languished for some years but a new edition is scheduled for January 2010, with some stimulating and significant articles. At Stuart's suggestion a Kenyan, Kidha Dan Kidha has been appointed Associate Managing Editor with a view to his moving into the top position after a hopefully short period during which he learns the ropes of such a role.

We have also facilitated Kidha, who was in the last class in Development Studies that Stuart taught at Scott, to apply for study in an MA program in "Professional and Applied Ethics" with a focus on ethics in political life. We are confident he will be accepted, but he will need to obtain a scholarship to cover his fees. We have a small, self-contained unit in which he can live while here without charge. There are limited scholarships available so we, and he, would value your prayer about this. If anyone knows of a source of funding for this purpose it would be great. He is a man of both ability and integrity. into the top position after a hopefully short period during which he learns the ropes of such a role.

Our work with Prof Thakhathi (left), Executive Dean of Management and Commerce at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), South Africa has continued in the form of Stuart's supervision of Vundi Nason's PhD research, but both we and he have missed our usual time in residence at the University. Our inability to travel this year has also interrupted our important role in support for developing co-operatives in the Vhembe district of South Africa which is part of the agenda for our work with the University of Fort Hare. The Lord willing, we expect to be able to resume the full program with UFH in the second half of 2010. We value your prayers that we will have wisdom to know what to do and how to do it, and what not to do so that we may be faithful servants of the King of kings.