14 March 2008 – Friday – Tuesday “The Witness”

There is a feeling when I read about school violence in Philadelphia, that whatever happens is a Philly problem, but there is a rude slap in the face in the headlines of The Witness. Violence to, with, and among youth is a universal problem.

You also might want to view a picture of two peacemakers also on the front page of the Witness. Having an open office on a Saturday, was like a magnet. Over seven people came to my door asking if we had housing available on the campus. They were all asked to return on Monday, as I had no idea.

Sunday worship was processional and prayerful, with one of my students preaching, Zazi Hadebe. Palms from the front yard, laid down of the walk and processed upon by the gathered congregation. The worship on campus attracts both students and community residents, but they have to know about the experience, as there is no advertising, or even a sign that Sunday worship is held on the seminary campus, just the bell.

Monday morning devotions were an easy walk over the debris of the parade the previous day, but there was word during the announcements that there would be a student demonstration about the continued lack of housing for about 400 students. The students called not only for the housing, but the resignations of senior staff for whom housing was a responsibility. The students pledged that until there was housing there would be no classes on campus. In the process lectures and examinations were disrupted at UKZN. Lectures at LTI continued. Ministerial students gazed across the road that was patrolled by a police presence which diminished by noon.

Our jail birds are back. Tuesday started rainy and cold, but as the sun came out the voices of students could be heard from across the street. The demonstrations had continued. The police were back and the demonstrators were keeping their promise of no lectures or examinations until the housing issues had been addressed. This time the police were clear that they wanted this demonstration to end, so the use of rubber bullets and tear gas scattered the students, but it did not end their resolve. In the midst of the running three seminary students were arrested and taken to jail. The administrator spent some time trying to get them extricated. Along with the other students they returned in time for dinner, but there were reports of several students hit by the rubber bullets.

Family issues take up the bulk of my time today with my brother-in-law Robb still needing additional surgery after receiving his second liver transplant. The Tuesday am email from Dawn also carried news that my uncle in California, had been found after a heart attack, so as I type this I await an afternoon phone call from Dawn, as he has stated to others that we are the next of kin.

Ngicela umthandazo [Please, can I have prayer.]