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A letter from Sue Ellen Hall in Sudan |
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July 2004
Dear Friends,
The graduates were robed in black cap and gown with red collars,
the teachers garbed the same, only with white collars. Running
commentary in Arabic and English from four emcees rarely ceased.
Speeches were made by various folk, including the young woman
who was top of the class. Poems were recited and songs were sung
to loud keyboard accompaniment. Diplomas were presented, and teachers
were honored (with the comment that a good teacher is a father,
mother, sister and brother, all in one!). Art exhibits were opened
with the cutting of ribbons. Refreshments were served. Congratulations
were shown by applause and by the snapping of fingers, as groups
of well-wishers would suddenly parade through the crowd. Greetings
were given in the name of Allah, then Matthew 5 was read to those
present, the majority of whom were not Christian. Over and over,
words of encouragement, friendship, peace, unity, and hope for
the future were voiced.
What was this happy occasion? Often, just when you’re having
doubts about where you are and why you’re struggling along
at a less-than-perfect job with less-than-perfect people in an
arid land which seems to be getting things wrong as often as it
does right, God blesses you. In this case the blessing was the
Third Annual Celebration of the Sudanese Presbyterian Evangelical
Evening School in Omdurman, honoring those who had finished various
courses, but especially the dozen or so young women and men who
had successfully completed Book 6, the highest level of the Oxford
English Series. I went, expecting a small party, and found myself
in the midst of a joyful celebration with hundreds of proud parents,
family, and friends in attendance. There had already been a sports
day, and the festivities were still going on when I finally had
to leave at 9:30 p.m. |
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The choir at the church in Hai Yusif.
Chinado, a Nigerian pastor, speaks at the Easter Retreat while
NTC senior Philip translates.
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As I sat there, I was struck by how important
education at even the simplest level is for the Sudanese. And I
was humbled to realize I had a small part in this because many of
the English teachers at the school had taken some of my first teacher
training courses five years ago. Who knows whether they were using
many or any of the techniques they learned? It was the time together
that they remembered and all teachers that they wanted to honor.
I know I learned more from them than they from me. Even I was presented
with a framed certificate for “great efforts” in teacher
training. This night was as important to them as any university
commencement, and I was grateful to have still been considered part
of their family after so long. This is why I’m still here. |
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This has been a trying year for Nile
Theological College, marked by a change of administration (made
more for political than academic reasons) and the usual financial
difficulties. After many months a new president was chosen, but
there are still issues to be discussed, including the accreditation
process, which will enable NTC graduates to pursue post-graduate
degrees. Please pray for wisdom and discernment, and a clear sense
of God’s call on behalf of the board and administration. Several
long-time teachers left this year or were out due to illness or
furlough, putting extra academic burdens on the remaining faculty.
Praise God, few classes had to be cancelled and one of the missed
courses will be conducted this month by a visiting professor from
Nigeria who was finally able to get a visa. And, in the midst of
worries about fees, papers, grades and all the rest, the students
held a wonderful Easter retreat at the SPEC church and school in
Wad Medani, a lovely town on the Nile about 400 kilometers south
of Khartoum. The NTC Student Union also planned, raised funds for,
and conducted a special program of outreach (including a medical
clinic) and evangelism in the Malakal area in June, a first-time
event for NTC. Those who returned last week brought joyful news
of a successful witness despite heavy rains. |
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As usual, God has also found more
ways for me to be a filler of various vacuums, my true calling,
I believe. The list of temporary duties this past year has included
everything from substitute teacher to cat sitter. For a couple
of weeks I was even officially authorized to act for the dean
of students when everyone was away. I’ve taken on extra
worship leadership at Khartoum International Church during the
summer months, and last fall preached for the first time at small
church in Hai Yusif, one of the outlying camps. Music continues
to be one of my greatest joys, whether playing, singing, or teaching
music theory to youth at the Khartoum SPEC.
Please continue to pray for Sudan, for the churches here, all
institutions of learning and those who teach and those who learn.
That should include everyone! And many thanks to all of you who
support the ministry here in Sudan. Your prayers and contributions
are vital! For people who may want to make a financial contribution,
there is a change in the address for ECO (Extra Commitment Opportunities)
giving. Contributions should now be sent to: |
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Gordon, an NTC senior, points to Malakal on a map. The student union
conducted a special outreach program in the Malakal area in June,
a first-time event for NTC. |
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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Individual Remittance Processing,
PO Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Write the title and the ECO number (#862765) on the subject line
of the check (Nile Theological College) and put it on your cover
letter, as well. Churches should use their normal receiving sites.
Whether church or individual, send a copy of the cover letter
to WMD, Central and West Africa Office, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville,
KY 40202-1396. It is also possible now to give online at the PC(USA)
Web site. Check it out! And many thanks again. Or click the button
below to give online. Shukran kiteer!
Sue Ellen Hall
Khartoum, Sudan
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
47
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