Author Archives: Clinton Bergsma

A few months back, I was having a chat with Dad about the way in which my work and time in rural Indonesia has changed me, and we got to talking about how my initial updates that I sent always began with … Continue reading →

And God formed humanity from the dust of the earth; Adam from ‘adama’; humans from humus. (see Genesis 2:7)   So runs the creation narrative in the Hebrew Bible, a very significant story that maps out the contours of what … Continue reading →

The mercury tells me it’s a touch over thirty five, but I suspect she’s trying to make friends with the unbearable heat outside; it’s a lonely life being a themometer. Everything is parched, I pass palms pleading for a shower; … Continue reading →

I’ve visited this particular village before – a few times actually; it’s the home of the hypothetical Mrs. Maria.  But every other time I’d visited, it was to assess the suitability for a productive garden, the possibility of a hydram … Continue reading →

Reflections on an 8 hour, 120km-round motorbike ride from Waimarang to Ngonggi in Eastern Sumba   For the joy that filled my heart, as I awoke beneath the net, And pondered the day’s journey that lay out the creaking door, … Continue reading →

My unit this past semester was on ‘Organisational Development’, a seemingly dry and dull topic.  I found it strangely enjoyable and challenging, but you are sworn to secrecy on that one.  We spent a lot of time looking at leadership … Continue reading →

Last night was the annual Easter parade here in Kupang, West Timor, and I wanted to try to capture something of it before it fades from memory, because it’s a great Indonesian experience while also being a great point of reflection. It’s … Continue reading →

Self-reflection is one of those tools that lies somewhere in the murky waters between the oceans of good and evil.  Too much concern about self feeds ego, not enough can let arrogance grow fat.  In my wanderings through Indonesia, I sometimes find myself … Continue reading →

Here’s a second essay that I was permitted to set the topic for.  The unit was on contextual theology, and I explored some gaps in Australian Evangelical theology that have contributed to the perpetuation of poverty, and suggested that Aboriginal … Continue reading →

As some of you are aware, I am currently undertaking my masters in transformational development.  For each unit, we’re required to set our own major essay question, which has been a great opportunity to explore topics and questions that arise … Continue reading →