Presbyterian Mission Agency

A letter from Sue Ellen Hall in Sudan

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.

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.

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.

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:

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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