News and Views from Tonga, April, 2005

I have a couple of items to share with you this month:

(1) Checklist for Effective Christian Teachers.
(2) US Govt. Rates "Poor" Tongan Human Rights.

Thanks,
Bob

------------------------------------

(1) We had a teaching workshop at Queen Salote College where we were
given a checklist to evaluate ourselves. I'd like to offer it to
you.

1. I believe God has called me to be a teacher.
2. I study the Bible regularly.
3. I take time for personal devotions on a daily basis
4. I pray daily.
5. I pray regularly for my students and my colleagues
6. I am committing scripture to memory.
7. I am interested in the spiritual development of my students.
8. I present the scriptural principles of salvation to my
students.
9. I apply scriptural principles to help my students develop
Godly values and attitudes.
10. I exemplify scriptural qualities of character – forgiveness,
kindness, longsuffering, etc.
11. I apply scriptural principles as I discipline students e.g.
firmness with love.
12. I take an active part in my local church.
13. I encourage students to take an active part in their local
church.
14. I share my faith with others.
15. I encourage students to share their faith with others.
16. I respect the authority of the administration of the school.
17. I am enthusiastic about my work and my Christian life.
18. I accept responsibilities with a wholesome, biblical attitude.
19. I demonstrate in my own life the attitudes, actions, and
reactions I expect from my students.
20. I enjoy teaching.

The above checklist is based upon the Self Check Inventory in
Enderlin "Guidelines for the Christian Professional Teacher."


------------------------------------

(2) US govt. rates "poor" Tongan human rights
16 Mar 2005, 21:38
Nuku'alofa, Tonga:

The status of the Tonga government's Human Rights Practices during
2003, according to the US Department of State was Poor.

The report released by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and
Labour on February 25, 2005, outlined the areas where Tonga failed
and therefore earned the "Poor" rating.

1. Because Tongan citizens do not have the right to change their
government. Tonga is a constitutional monarchy and its political life
is dominated by the King, the nobility, and a few prominent commoners.

2. Because government at times infringed on Freedom of Speech and
Freedom of the Press.

3. Because women suffered domestic violence, discrimination and
limited employment and economic opportunities.

4. Because the right to form a Labour Union was restricted by the
lack of implementing regulations.

The report also pointed out an infringement of Freedom of Religion by
the Tonga Broadcasting Commission with its strict guidelines that
religious programs for radio and television must be "within the
limits of the mainstream Christian tradition." The report stated that
the TBC did not allow members of the Baha'I Faith to discuss the
tenets of their religion, or to refer to the founder, Baha'ullah by
name. TBC also did not allow the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints to discuss its founder, Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon by
name.

Copyright © Vava'u Press Ltd. 2004. Permissions apply
vapress@...

------------------------------------

Prayer Concerns this Month:
The Girls at Queen Salote College

Scripture:
"…I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but
accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."
Acts 10:34, 35


Feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested.

Bob May
Queen Salote College
PO Box 116
Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu
Tonga Islands
South Pacific

Phone: 58-678