Author Archives: Clinton Bergsma

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 →

Between the care we give and the folks it assists often lies an ocean or two, our love passed hand-to-hand across the waters, traversing borders without visa or passport.  We all participate, you and I, in our different ways: folks … Continue reading →

I’m currently undertaking a Masters in Transformational Development through Eastern College (formerly Tabor Victoria), and am required to attend a week-long intensive every semester in either Melbourne or Kuala Lumpur.  This past week I joined the international students in KL: … Continue reading →