The first class of students for the Secondary School of the SIC

The Secondary School of the Sudan Interior Church (formerly known as the Southern Blue Nile Academy) opened on September 29th with an enrollment of about 40 students. Students are in classes for Bible, English grammar, English conversation, English reading and writing, and agriculture. They spend a part of their afternoons doing agriculture in the field, growing food for their own consumption.

Most of the students are from Mabaan and Uduk tribes though we also accepted two Dinka applicants from Malakal area, but have not seen them yet. We have also had inquiries from some Muslims in the Kurmuk area as well as here in Yabus; however, we have explained to them that we are full and not accepting any more students for this year.

This first class is excited and committed to learning about God’s world from His viewpoint and how to understand and care for it from His Word. We emphasize with these young men and woman that we are preparing them to be the leaders of Sudan because peace and stability only come from God. It will be very important for them to plan to take this education, saturated with the Word, into their next place of calling from Him. Their anticipation of gaining a strong education makes this work a joy for us as teachers.

We are blessed with a diverse group of committed teachers. Anter Deng Chuol is a Nuer who comes to us from Malakal where he did some teaching in a police academy. He has a diploma in Bible and desires to continue his studies. Canberra is a missionary from India who brings a masters degree in education and an excitement to teach and to always be learning. Her love for the Lord and her students is contagious.

I am grateful to God for my experiences over the last 25 years as a teacher, parent, tutor, school counselor, and administrator in a strong Christian school in the United States, which has prepared me for this work. I am blessed to bring this preparation that God has given me to Yabus and these precious students.

Pray

Please pray that the students will continue on from this beginning to finish strong for the glory and honor of our God and for the development of their nation.